Dance Floor Etiquette

I know almost everyone has done an article, blog post, letter, facebook post, etc. on etiquette on the dance floor, but a few of my experiences lately have prompted me to comment on what has already been addressed many times. 

I’d like to think that even the most beginner leader knows that they need to pay attention to where they are sending their partner and  to where they are travelling.  One of the major things that we need to remember is that there is a difference between how we dance on a social setting and how we dance on the competitive floor.  We all (leaders and followers alike) need to think about the fact that there is less space on a social floor as well as more people.  A social dance is about you and your partner and the music, whereas in a competitive dance, we also have to remember that there is an audience, in addition to the fact that we have to perform certain moves and include a little bit of all types of moves.

Other than just the styling, there are a couple of other things that we need to remember.  In Hustle, not only are we sending our follower out, but often we, as leaders, are moving out as well.  So we need to be aware of what is behind us as well as what is in front of us.  We also need to make sure that the arm styling that we use (this is for leaders as well as followers!!) needs to be contained.  It cannot slice outward from the body, but it must always come into the body and then out where there is space.   If there is no space for the arm, then we must keep it closer to us!!!  Please, please, please remember that what you do with your free arm is not just about making you look good, but about putting it where there is space. 

In my experience, many leaders pay attention to where they are sending the girl and the amount of space that they have, but many followers do not.  As followers, we have to be just as aware as leaders, not only about where we are putting our arms, but also about where we are travelling.  The first defense is always the leader paying attention to where he is sending us, but things happen quickly and someone may come into that space while he is sending you.  It is then up to the follower to hold back and avoid the collision.  Followers - we know the leaders who pay attention and the ones who do not, so be extra aware when you are dancing with those who don’t pay attention. 

One last note, always remember that no matter how careful we are, things happen.  You may bump into someone, or accidentally hit them; it is how we respond that matters.   Always make sure you apologize and make sure no one got hurt.  DO NOT ignore it!!!  And if your partner has hit someone and they ignore it, please take the responsibility to make sure that everyone is ok, and apologize.  This will reflect well on you.  No one likes a bully, and if you are one of those who run into people constantly and never apologizes – you are a bully!!  Just remember, a simple “I’m sorry” or “Are you ok?” goes a long way!!!