General Dance Move Tips and Etiquette

• Your attitude influences your partner, and the whole experience of a dance. Start with a positive one.
• Remember - there are always better dancers than you and worse dancers than you.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring an extra shirt and pair of socks.

• Introduce yourself to a beginner and do your best to make them feel at ease. You were there once.
• If you are a beginner and someone more experienced comes off as being better than you or is impatient, it it about them, not you.
• Good technique is always preferable to a large repertoire of moves. That said, cool moves are great, so long as they are based on solid technique.
• Dance to the level of your partner; avoid patterns that your partner cannot do.
• You spend both time and money on lessons. Practice what you learn.
• Good personal hygiene makes for a better time for your dance partner.
• Some learn fast, some learn slow but mostly people learn some things faster than others. Have patience with others and yourself.
• You are there for fun and so is your partner. Unless there is a specific agreement , like in the case of dance partners or a teacher and student, don't teach or criticize your dance partners while out on the social dance floor.
• Be considerate of other couples on the floor. If you step on someone's toes, say "Excuse me."
• Dance in the space that you have. If the floor is crowded, dance small.
• Ask many people to dance during the evening- it will help your dancing and make the whole evening more enjoyable for all.
• After the dance, be sure to thank your partner.
• Feel free to decline a dance if you aren't comfortable are too tired, etc. However, if you have declined a dance, don't  the same song with someone else.
• Avoid aerials on a social dance floor. In general, they should only be done at performances or special occasions (like birthday jams) with a regular partner.
• Depending on the dance like in the case of ballroom, stationary dancers stay in the middle, traveling dancers move on the boundary along the line of dance.
• Smile.
• Have fun! There will not be a test.

Leads

• It is your responsibility to protect your partner.
• Make sure you keep your attention on your partner and watch the dance floor to avoid possible collisions when at all possible. Being a "hot dog" ie, someone who zooms across a dance floor at the expense of other dancers shows his ignorance more than his "coolness".
• Less is more. Try to accomplish your lead with as little effort as possible.
• Is your follow getting your leads? Don't lead harder. Lead smarter or earlier, or easier patterns.
• Lead with your body, not your hand.
• Never blame your partner for missteps.

Follows

• Don't expect your lead to do all the work- stay attentive and keep good posture and frame.
• Just respond. Avoid thinking about what each lead means- just pay attention to your partner and where you are going next.
• Follows, follow with your body, and follow your leader- even if he is off time.
• When not in contact with your lead, keep your arms at slightly below a 45 degree angle and keep your arms waist level.
• Never blame your partner for missteps.