Vermont Swings | Dance Etiquette

Dance Etiquette: Floor Craft

Following dance floor etiquette helps everyone to have fun. Simply put, it means being courteous and respectful to those around you. It's more important for a social dancer to be a considerate and thoughtful partner than to be a technically expert dancer. Following the rules and suggestions given here will help you to become a successful and appreciated dance partner.

Maneuvering the Dance Floor

Floor craft is the term for how you maneuver around the dance floor. In order for a social dance to be enjoyable for all the participants, it's crucial to be considerate and aware in your floor craft. You should be aware of where the other couples are around you, and do your best to avoid them. Leaders have some extra responsibility when it comes to floor craft. You must always look where you're going - especially when moving backwards; check first to make sure that the area is clear. You're also responsible for protecting your partners and always placing or leading them into safe space.

Collisions

When a collision does occur everyone involved should stop and apologize, regardless of whose "fault" the collision was. If someone has been stepped on or hurt, you should make certain that person is okay before you continue dancing. Sometimes people are not okay; in that case it's very nice to help them off the floor and offer to get them ice or a drink of water.

Crowded Floor

Dance to fit the conditions. Show concern for others. Crowded floors require that both leaders and followers use controlled moves and small steps.

Aerials

No aerials on the social dance floor; they can be dangerous for the other dancers around us. Aerials are specialized choreography that both partners need to know, and that require a lot more space than is usually available on the social dance floor. Aerials are only permitted in jam circles or for performance. A piece of advice: never try an aerial unless you have practiced it many times with your partner.

And Speaking of Floors . . .

Please do not put wax or powder or any substances on the dance floor without express permission from the organizer. This includes not waxing or powdering the soles of your own shoes. This creates slippery spots on the dance floor and floors with uneven textures are far more dangerous than very slippery or very sticky floors.