We're here to have a bit of fun, exercise, learn a new skill and meet some other really nice people. In the process though we tend to get a little bit closer to each other than in other sports or hobbies. So we've come up with some tips on how to make your time with us more pleasant for you and your fellow dancers. Feel free to suggest more!
Some pointers for better classes:
Personal hygiene and accessories
- A bit of deodorant, especially in hot weather, and a clean shirt / top (i.e. not the one you have worn all day) is appreciated.
- Please wash your hands e.g. after cleaning the barbeque.
- Help yourself to our free mints if you've had smelly food for dinner (e.g. garlic).
- Remove sharp rings, jewellery and bulky watches that might get impaled on your partner.
Allow people to learn what is being taught
- Introduce yourself then let your partner pay attention to what the teacher is saying or doing.
- Avoid chatting with your partner while the teacher is talking, often they will be making a technique point and it could be your partner (or even you!) who may specifically benefit.
- Leaders: avoid "impressing" your partner by doing extra moves or spins - it's actually really annoying for your partner and disrupting for those around you - you come across as an arrogant so and so.
- Avoid texting / using your phone (it's a partner dancer - i.e. you and someone else) in an increasingly connected virtual world it's nice to have somewhere where the emphasis is on connecting with the people around you.
Feedback and Encouragement
Don't Give Unsolicited Advice
This applies to EVERYONE all of the time! (can be good advice in life too)
- It NEVER comes across well and often crushes the confidence of the person you're trying to "help".
- It's better to give people encouragement rather than criticise them.
- While we all want to help the newer dancers at class, often they receive conflicting advice as they go round. It is best to let them listen to the teacher, smile and help only if they ask for it.
- The only exception is if the person is potentially harming you or themselves.
- Work on your own dancing - no one's perfect!
Perform your role to best of your ability
If you're giving feedback then you're not working on your own dancing. There are heaps of areas you could work on:
- Balance
- Timing
- Technique
- Partnership
- Musicality
- Style etc.
Dance to the level of your partner
Experienced dancers, especially the leads, should always find out the ability of their partner so they can dance moves at the appropriate level. Freestyling a few beginner moves is often enough to gauge someone else's level.
- Don't try to teach someone a move for which they have not yet learned the correct technique. If you can't lead it then don't use it!
Asking, Accepting, Declining a Dance
Asking someone to dance
We're all here to dance so there's no need to hold back. We work hard to develop a culture of inclusivity at our classes and events. For a new dancer or even a regular dancer it can be scary asking people to dance as a fear of rejection can be so intense it stops people from wanting to come back.
- Anyone can ask anyone else to dance regardless of gender, role or ability.
- Introduce yourself and ask "would you like a dance?". A big smile always helps too
.
Even better, give the person you're asking a way out in case they are tired, taking a break or some other reason:
- "would you like a dance or are you taking a break?"
Accepting a dance
We encourage dancers to take any opportunity that is presented to them. If someone has the courage to ask you to dance often saying yes may just make their night.
Words to the effect of "Yes I'd love to!" generally go down well compared with "er, suppose so".
You'd be surprised how much an enthusiastic response can boost someone's confidence.
Finishing a dance
- Thank your partner at the end of a dance rather than just walking off without a word.
- If someone has asked you for a dance and it's been enjoyable then you may like to ask them for a second dance (Quite often the second dance goes better than the first).
- Allow people to dance with others, two songs is a good guideline or if you feel 'trapped' then explain that you want to 'work the room' or that you've promised a dance with someone else before the night finishes.
Declining a dance
It is not part of our culture to turn down beginners or inexperienced dancers simply because they aren't very good yet - please don't discriminate on ability. Crew who are on duty are committed to always accepting an invitation to dance (bear in mind that crew have nights off where they're not on duty)
You have an issue
If someone asks you for a dance you do not have to dance with them. Maybe you're,
- tired and need a break
- or in the middle of a conversation
- or you've promised the next song to someone else
Maybe respond with: "No thank you" and suggest later or another time.
The other person is the issue
You are perfectly entitled to refuse a dance with someone especially if,
- they have bad body odour (or you could say "Sure! After you change your shirt or put on some deodorant!")
- or bad breath (or you could say "Can I ask you to have a mint?")
Feel free to talk to the venue manager who can then can deal with the issue discreetly (without mentioning your name) and help that person to get more dances. Ideally stay busy dancing with other people or dance on the other side of the room. Alternatively you may have no choice but to say "No thank you" but this time with no explanation especially if,
- they have been rough or dangerous in the past
- their behaviour, language or manner is inappropriate
Either tell the person that their behaviour is making you uncomfortable and to please stop, or, please do talk to a member or the crew, ideally the venue manager.
Sadly some dancers take the approach of not wanting to rock the boat or cause a fuss. PLEASE cause a stir / please rock the boat / make a fuss because you're helping us maintain a safe environment and preventing others being subjected to similar behaviour.
I've been declined for a dance!! 
This has happened to me (Matt) - I was turned down many years ago. After I got over the initial shock and dent to the ego I asked "do you mind if I ask why?", she said sure and proceeded to say that in previous dances I'd been rough. I was shocked and embarrassed but again after putting pride aside I asked if I could ask again another night and promise to be gentler - she said yes and all was fine from then on thanks to communication.
If you're honest then you can't do any better than that.
Appropriate / Inappropriate Behaviour
Appropriate Behaviour
- Smiling is pretty good, but take note - if someone smiles at you it means they're having a good time, it doesn't necessarily mean they like you as a person or want your phone number.
- While learning a new move a leader may have a blank expression while they try to work out what to do, so they may not smile even if they are having a good time.
- Eye contact - balance is the key here, no need to stare someone down but also we don't want to blank our partner.
- Dancing is a great way to be expressive and creative: have a go at acting out the mood of the music; listen to the lyrics and share with the person you're dancing with. The acting out should end when the music stops.
Inappropriate Behaviour
Inappropriate Behaviour covers a range of verbal and/or physical behavior which is unwelcome, unsolicited and not reciprocated. Examples include:
- Offensive questions, comments, suggestive remarks.
- Unwanted and deliberate physical contact not related to maintaining a connection required for partner dancing.
- Please report any person or incident to a crew member, preferably the venue manager, as soon as possible so we can follow up and take action. We can feedback to people anonymously if you wish to avoid awkwardness.
- Silence condones inappropriate behaviour and leaves others vulnerable.
- See more information on DanceSafe on our web site.
Basically any move where the leader takes the follower off balance.
Leader Etiquette
- ALWAYS ask your partner at the start of a dance if they are comfortable with dips and drops if you are hoping to lead them.
- NEVER lead a dip or drop if you haven't learnt the correct technique.
- NEVER dip or drop someone who hasn't been taught the correct technique.
- NEVER try to teach a follow a dip or drop - you do not know what technique is required on their part.
- A follow may have been happy to do them the previous week but they may not want to this week.
- Bear in mind that a follow may be comfortable doing dips and drops with teachers or advanced dancers for a while until they get more confident.
- Remove bulk and sharp items from pockets.
Follower Etiquette
- If you don't want or like dips and drops on a particular night or with a particular person then say at the start of the dance "No dips or drops please".
- "I am not warmed up yet" is a good reason for not wanting to do dips or drops.
- NEVER throw yourself into a dip or drop before it has been lead - this can lead to serious injury for both you and your partner.
- NEVER ask a lead to teach you a dip or drop: unless they are a teacher they are unlikely to know the correct technique required for your safety and protection.
Drips and Drops
- A towel comes in handy for these.
- Also spare clothing.
Floorcraft
Good floorcraft is a sign of good awareness and respect for others. It is also important for safety.
- Watch where you're going!
- Beginners always have right of way.
- Followers: you can be your partner's rear view vision - if the leader is about to reverse into someone then apply the brakes.
- Avoid collisions by going around the dance floor to get to the other side of the room rather than through it.
- If you do accidentally bump into someone then be sure to check everyone's ok and follow up with a quick apology before you carry on.
Aerials
Aerials are big moves involving more height and momentum than other moves. Severe injuries can occur if not done safely or in a controlled environment.
- Aerials are not permitted during freestyle.
- Aerials may be done after freestyle but only with the permission of the venue manager and in a safe place away from others.
- Some baby aerials where one of the followers feet remains below the leader's waist level are allowed - check with the venue manager first.
- If in doubt ask rather than risk being asked to leave.