Elements of Dance Etiquette
Contents
The main role of etiquette is to
make interactions in a dance setting enjoyable for everyone. In dancing, much
like everyday life, etiquette strives to systematize the behavior so that one
does not inadvertently offend (or in the case of dancing, even physically hurt)
other individuals. The underlying foundation of the rules of social dancing is
consideration for the safety and convenience of one's fellow dancers.
Therefore, if in doubt about a specific point of etiquette, it is often enough
to invoke the following rule: be kind, generous, and unselfish. One can hardly
go wrong with that formula.
The choice of outfit depends to a
large extent on the dance venue and the type of dancing. One needs to consider
established protocols, as well as comfort and safety during dancing.
The more formal the dance, the
more formal the outfit. At a charity ball in
Appropriate apparel and perceptions of formality vary
greatly among different dance venues. A Milonga (Argentine Tango) requires a
very different kind of attire than, say, a Country Western dance. Going to a
dance is equivalent to entering a potentially different cultural environment.
It is prudent to show respect for the accepted norms and customs of each
culture, if you want to join and enjoy.
The following is a partial list of dress codes:
Another element of dressing has to
do with comfort and safety. Specifically, the clothing should make it easy and
enjoyable for the partners to dance. In particular:
While the subject of this section
is elementary, it can still be useful as a reminder. Dancing is an activity
where two people come in close contact. Unfortunately, one can remain unaware
of one's bad breath or body aroma. Before a dance:
During a dance:
When asking for a dance, one
cannot go wrong with traditional phrases:
In the past it has been the
tradition that men asked women to dance. But this custom has gradually changed.
Today, women should feel equally comfortable asking a partner for a dance, even
in a formal setting.
If your desired partner is with a group, step up to him/her
and make eye contact when asking for a dance. It can make for an awkward moment
if a number of people think they have been asked to dance, and you have to tell
them that they were not.
It happens, not infrequently, that one's desired partner is
engaged in a conversation. Is it appropriate to interrupt a conversation to ask
someone to dance? There is no clear, easy answer to this. Some say that one's
presence in a dancing establishment indicates a desire for dancing, and
therefore everyone is fair game. Another school of thought recommends asking
your intended partner if he/she is standing on or near the dance floor, but
advises against interruption if he/she is sitting down and talking with
someone.
In general, ask someone to dance if you think he/she is
ready to dance and will enjoy dancing with you at that moment. This may not
always be immediately clear, however, and one needs to exercise sound judgment
and common sense in each case.
For example, if someone is sitting closely with their
significant other, whispering sweet nothings to each other, then it is probably
not a good time to ask him/her for a dance. Now a different scenario: your
intended partner is cornered and being lectured on weather patterns in lower
Sometimes two individuals simultaneously ask someone for a
dance. If this happens, it is not necessary for any of them to back off: ``You
go ahead..... No, YOU go ahead!'' That would make the askee feel uncomfortable.
Instead, they should look to the askee to pick one to dance with. The askee
should do this graciously and, ideally, offer the other one a later dance.
The question of whom to ask for a
dance is not as trivial as it may seem. Force of habit, dancing capabilities,
or personal attraction may incline a dancer to dance with the same partner (or
a few partners) all the time. This, however, is not helpful to the social
dynamics of a dance, therefore dance etiquette speaks out on the choice of
partners: To ensure a diversity of partnerships on the floor, and to give
everyone a chance to dance, etiquette rules against asking the same partner for
more than two consecutive dances.
One of the common violations of this branch of dance
etiquette occurs when someone dances most of the night with their escort (the
person with whom they came to the dance). The ruling in this case is much the
same as for the traditional (formal) dinner parties: one never sits down to
dinner next to one's spouse. It is assumed that if spouses were interested
primarily in talking with one another, they could have stayed home together. By
the same token, going to a social dance demonstrates a desire to dance
socially. This means dancing with a host of partners, and not just with one or
a select few. I have heard a version of this rule that requires the first and last
dance of the evening to be done with one's escort, and other dances with
others.
Naturally, individuals tend to dance with others at their
own level, but excluding partners based on their level is not acceptable. In
particular, to constantly seek the most skilled partners is against the spirit
of social dancing. Better dancers are especially advised to ask beginners to
dance. Not only does this help the social dynamics of a dance, it also helps
the better dancer (although it is outside the scope of this discussion to
explain why or how).
Unfortunately, one sometimes comes across dancers who
consider themselves too good to dance with beginners, who cannot ``keep up''
with their level of dancing. It is often the case that these dancers are not as
good as they think. They need good partners because only good partners can
compensate for their mistakes, bad technique, or other inadequacies. The truly
good dancers often seek the challenge of dancing with those at lower levels,
and enjoy it. Good dancers make their partners look good.
Especially for beginners and shy
individuals, being declined can be difficult, and may discourage them from
social dancing. Dance etiquette requires that one should avoid declining a
dance under almost all circumstances. For example, there is no correct way of
refusing a dance on the basis of preferring to dance with someone else.
According to tradition, the only graceful way of declining a dance is either
(a) you do not know the dance, (b) you need to take a rest, or (c) you have
promised the dance to someone else.
Note that the last excuse should be used sparingly, if at
all, because it is improper to book many dances ahead. When declining a dance,
it is good form to offer another dance instead: ``No, thank you, I'm taking a
break. Would you like to do another dance later?'' Furthermore, declining a
dance means sitting out the whole song. It is inconsiderate and outright rude
to dance a song with anyone after you have declined to dance it with someone
else. If you are asked to dance a song before you can ask (or get asked by)
your desired partner, that's the luck of the draw. The choices are to dance it
with whomever asked first, or to sit out the dance.
In a perfect world, one would never come across unpleasant
partners. But unfortunately, there are instances (hopefully few and far in
between) where someone monopolizes a partner by asking for too many dances, is
not safe to dance with (frequently steps on partner's toes, or collides with
other couples), or consistently violates other rules of the dance floor. While
promoting politeness, etiquette does not wish to put the dancers under the
tyranny of the inconsiderate. It therefore cautiously allows one in these cases
to say: ``No, thank you,'' without explanation, in the hope that the
perpetrator will realize he/she is in violation of the rules of social dancing.
However, this option should be exercised with great restraint and only in the
case of repeat offenders.
The first thing to do when one is
turned down for a dance is to take the excuse at face value. Typical social
dance sessions can be as long as three to four hours, and there are few dancers
who have the stamina of dancing it through non-stop. Everyone has to take a
break once in a while, and that means possibly turning down one or two people
each time one takes a break. The advice to shy dancers and especially beginners
is not to get discouraged if they are turned down once or twice.
However, since social dancers are generally nice and polite,
being repeatedly declined can be a signal. In that case, it is a good idea to
examine one's dancing and social interactions to see if anything is awry.
The dancing on a floor is done
along a counter clockwise direction, known as the Line Of Dance. This applies
to traveling dances including Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Viennese
Waltz, as well as Polka and two-step in the country western repertoire. Latin
and Swing dances are more or less stationary and have no line of dance.
Sometimes it is possible to dance more than one type of dance to the same song.
For example, some Foxtrots can also be swings, and many Lindy Hop songs are
just great for Quickstep. In that case, swing dancers take the middle of the floor,
and the moving dancers move along the periphery in the direction of the line of
dance.
Some caution should be exercised
when getting on the dance floor, especially if the song has already started and
couples are dancing on the floor. It is the responsibility of incoming couples
to make sure that they stay out of the way of the couples already dancing.
Specifically, before getting into dance position, one should always look
opposite the line of dance to avoid blocking someone's way, or even worse,
causing a collision.
After the dance is finished and
before parting, thank your partner. This reminds me of a social partner who,
upon being thanked at the end of the dance, would answer: ``You're welcome!''
This always gave me a funny feeling. The proper answer to ``Thank you!'' on the
dance floor is: ``Thank you!'' The point is that the thanks is not due to a
favor, but to politeness.
If you enjoyed the dance, let your partner know. Compliment
your partner on her/his dancing. Be generous, even if he/she is not the
greatest of dancers. Be specific about it if you can: ``I really enjoyed that
double reverse spin. You led/followed that beautifully!'' If you enjoyed it so
much that you would like to have another dance with him/her again, this is a
good time to mention it: ``This Waltz went really great! I'd like to try a
Cha-Cha with you later.'' Although remember that dancing too many dances with
the same partner and booking many dances ahead are both violations of social
dance rules.
When a song comes to an end, leave
the floor as quickly as it is gracefully possible. Tradition requires that the
gentleman give his arm to the lady and take her back to her seat at the end of
the dance. While this custom is linked to the outdated tradition requiring the
gentlemen to ask ladies for dances, it is still a nice touch, although it may
be impractical on the more crowded dance floors. In any case, remember that
your partner may want to get the next dance. Don't keep them talking after the
dance is over, if they seem ready to break away to look for their next partner.
Some dance floors, especially in
country western dance establishments, have limited access space (most of the
periphery is railed). Dancers and onlookers should avoid blocking these
entrances. In particular, avoid stopping to chat immediately after exiting the
dance floor. Another issue in Country Western dancing regards line dancers, who
sometimes share the floor with other dancers. They should avoid blocking
entrances from the inside while dancing.
Responsible usage of the floor
requires that one stays out of the way of others. Some figures require a
momentary movement against line of dance. These figures should be executed with
great caution on a social dance floor, and only when there is no danger of
collision. Avoid getting too close to other couples, especially less
experienced ones. Be prepared to change the directions of your patterns to
avoid congested areas. This requires thinking ahead and matching your patterns
to the free areas on the floor (floorcraft). While this may sound complicated
to the novice dancer, it gradually becomes second nature.
In the case where there is a gender mismatch, if you are a
member of the over-represented gender, withdraw once every few dances to allow
everyone to get a partner. The same is true if the dance floor is too crowded;
withdraw every few dances to let everyone dance.
Another aspect of sharing the floor is to match one's speed
to that of others. In a recent social dance, a particularly tall and handsome
couple caught my eye. They were moving with great speed and skill across the
floor, and I began to enjoy watching them dance. But then I noticed they were coming
dangerously close to other dancers on the crowded dance floor, and many times
other couples came to a stop and moved out of their way. While this experienced
couple will probably not have collided with them, coming close to less
experienced dancers at great speed was making everyone uncomfortable. Other
dancers were justifiably unhappy about this couple ``taking over'' the floor.
The only thing to be said about
aerials on the social dance floor is: don't do them. While they may look
``cool,'' the execution of aerials requires training by a qualified instructor.
Don't do them by yourself unless you are trained, and certainly don't do them
on the social dance floor. Dancers have been badly hurt by either participating
in aerials, or unluckily being in the proximity of those who did. In fact, in
1996, a swing dancer died during the execution of an aerial. Aerials can be
extremely dangerous, please take this issue seriously.
The same principle applies to other lifts and drops, as
well as choreographed patterns that require a large amount of floor space.
Never blame a partner for missed
execution of figures. Once in a social dance I accidentally overheard a novice
couple, where the lady said: ``I can do this step with everyone but you!'' The
fact that she was wrong (I had seen her other attempts) is irrelevant. The
point is that she was unkind and out of line. Even if the gentleman were at
fault, she was not to say something like that (more about this in the section:
``dancing to the level of partner.'')
Regardless of who is at fault when a dancing mishap occurs,
both parties are supposed to smile and go on. This applies to the better dancer
in particular, who bears a greater responsibility. Accepting the blame is especially
a nice touch for the gentleman. But at the same time, do not apologize
profusely. There is no time for it, and it makes your partner uncomfortable.
My personal preference is the following: whenever something
untoward happens, I first see if my partner noticed. Sometimes the partner may
not be aware, for example, that a figure was slightly off-time or that a fine
point in technique was missed, in which case it is better to let it go. If she
has noticed, I just smile and whisper ``sorry...'' and go on, regardless of
whose fault it was.
Did Your Partner Enjoy the Dance?
Dancing
to the level of partner:
It often happens that the two
partners dancing socially are not at the same level. It is important that the
more experienced partner dances at the level of the less experienced partner.
This is mostly a comment for leaders: when dancing with a new partner, start
with simple figures, and gradually work your way up to more complicated
patterns. You will discover a comfort level, file it away in memory for the
next time you dance with the same partner.
The same principle applies to Latin and Swing followers,
although to a lesser degree. Doing extra syncopations, footwork, free spins
etc. can be distracting and even intimidating for a less experienced leader.
Although I must say that the show-off follower is rather rare; most of the
violations of this sort are by leaders who lead inexperienced partners into
complicated figures.
Being
sensitive to partner's preferences:
Social dancers strive to make
their partners comfortable and help them enjoy the dance. This requires
sensitivity to the likes and dislikes of the partner. These preferences can
take a variety of forms. For example, I remember that one of my West Coast
Swing social partners found neck wraps uncomfortable. In the same manner, some
dancers don't like spins (or many spins in a row), while others really enjoy
them. Some like extended syncopations and others don't. There are many more
examples in various dance venues. Be sensitive to your partners. It is not too
hard to detect their likes and dislikes, and if in doubt, ask.
Be personable, smile, and make eye
contact with your partner. Try to project a warm and positive image on the
dance floor, even if that is not your personal style. Many of us lead hectic
lives that include a difficult balance between study, work, family, and other
obligations. Having a difficult and tiring day, however, is not an acceptable
excuse for a depressing or otherwise unpleasant demeanor on the dance floor. Because
of the setting of a social dance, we do not always dance with our favorite
partners. This is also not grounds for a cold treatment of the partner. Once
one asks or accepts a dance, it is important to be outwardly positive, even if
not feeling exactly enthusiastic.
The social dancer is also well advised to be watchful of an
unchecked ego. While a healthy sense of self is helpful in all social
interactions, it is more attractive when mixed with an equal dose of modesty.
Don't let perceived dancing abilities or physical attractiveness go to your
head. It is helpful to remember that overestimating one's dance prowess or
attractiveness is quite common.
There are two aspects to this
point of etiquette:
This is unfortunately one of the
more common breaches of dance etiquette. Ironically, this error is often
committed by individuals who are not fit to teach! Experienced social dancers dance at the level of their partners. Instead of trying to teach someone a pattern in a few
minutes, it is better to concentrate on doing what both partners can do, and
enjoy the dance. Unsolicited teaching can be humiliating and takes the fun out
of dancing.
Soliciting
teaching on the floor:
This is not necessarily a flagrant
violation. There are times in fact when it is flattering to be consulted about
a point of dancing. However, this issue should still be approached with a
little care. Here is a worst-case scenario, to illustrate the point: A polite
dancer is excited when his favorite song comes on, and he asks the closest
stranger for the dance. She replies: ``I have never done this dance before. Can
you please teach me?''
It is debatable how much one can learn, from scratch, in
the 2-3 minutes a typical song plays, but that is beside the point. This may be
a song he really wants to dance to. For this or any other reason, he may not
want to spend time at that moment teaching someone, but she has left him no
polite way of getting out. In this situation: (a) She doesn't know him (so
cannot justify the imposition based on friendship), (b) she solicits teaching
at the time he is asking her to dance, which puts him at a disadvantage, and
(c) she does not know anything about the dance, so he cannot say: ``let's just
do what you already know.''
Being considerate does not necessarily limit interactions
between dancers. People do learn quite a bit from each other in social dancing.
Observing a few simple points, however, will make this process more enjoyable
for all parties concerned:
Copyright (c) 1997, 1998 Aria
Nosratinia. All rights reserved.