General Dance Technique

A good dance frame along with good posture will improve you look and just as importantly, the way you feel and are experienced on the dance floor by those you dance with.

Here are some pointers:

Keep your shoulders relaxed.
In general, keep your arms and elbows to the side or slightly in front of your body. Never let them go past your side.
Keep you head over your body, don't let it jut out forward or go back.
For the most part keep your feet under your body when moving across the floor.
Keep your steps small. Most moves don't require you moving your feet more than 12 inches or so in any given step.
Learn to use your body position and movements to reflect the character of the music. In the beginning your attention will be on steps, but as soon as you have those, start putting your focus on the music and your partner.
When it comes to your dancing, everything counts. Timing, posture, frame, dress, hygiene, attention to your partner, everything.
Don't "hang" on your partner. Your frame is your responsibility.
Light contact with your hands. Follows don't need "help" and leads don't need a vice grip from their partners.
Smile.
Have fun! There will not be a test.