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Is there any dance etiquette I should know about?
Answer
In general, common courtesy off of the dance floor applies to the dance floor. Assuming that you know right from wrong, you are already well-equipped to hit the dance floor. However, social dance has its own culture like any other activity, so it may be worthwhile to go over a few details.
Asking and Getting AskedIt is common for swing dancers to dance with many different people throughout the night. People will generally dance a song or two, thank each other, and go searching for a new partner. Don't be taken aback if someone that you don't know asks you to dance. In swing dancing circles, "Would you like to dance?" is another way of saying "Do you want to spend the next 4 minutes goofing around?" Don't be afraid to ask someone to dance either. This especially applies to women, who should not feel intimidated/awkward about asking men to dance. The fact is that asking people is the easiest way to dance a lot during the night. It's also the only way you'll get to know a lot of people. Some people go to dances, never get to know lots of people, stay seated all night, and (as a consequence) don't get to dance much. If you're just too shy to ask, the next best thing is to stand at the edge of the dance floor, bop around a little to the music, and look friendly. Maybe someone will ask you. If you see someone across the room that you'd like to ask to dance, you obviously shouldn't cut directly across the middle of the dance floor. If you're asked to dance, the very best response is "yes." Go out there and enjoy/survive the next 4 minutes. It can also be acceptable to decline a dance. Great reasons for declining include being tired, being on a date, not wanting to dance to a particular song, etc. It is even acceptable to say "I'm looking for a particular friend of mine for this song. Can we dance later?". At any rate, if you say something like "I'm too tired," the general expectation is that you'll sit the song out. Don't say "yes" 20 seconds later to someone else. Lying to get out of a dance is generally bad manners (unless the person is reckless and/or grabby). DressThere are no particular expectations for dress at all of our regular swing dance events. Some people like to dress up. Some people like to dress vintage. Some people wear jeans. It really doesn't matter.However you decide to dress, expect to sweat. Guys should be aware that most women don't like dancing with a wet mop. Ladies, while the boys may fawn over you in that absolutely darling little spaghetti strap dress, the appeal will quickly wear off (and trust me on this) when they sink their hand into half an inch of back-sweat. You probably know how much you sweat during physical activity, so plan accordingly. If you wear a sweater, expect to take it off at some point during the night. Many people bring a change (or three) of shirt. Some people bring hand towels. Some people even pack a stick of deodorant. A little perfume/cologne is generally ok, but some people have allergies. It is not a good idea to slather it on. A tin full of breath-mints is also a great idea, especially if you had tuna and/or garlic and/or onions for dinner. On the dance floorOn the dance floor, the general expectation is that dancers will remain aware of the people around them and try their best to avoid collisions. This can be difficult for new dancers, who are already struggling to keep the music, the beat, and the dance in their heads at once. The best advice for new dancers is to avoid exaggerated movements (don't take huge rock-steps or fling your arms/legs around wildly), and regularly check your surroundings. If you see an immanent collision, you can usually avoid it by tightening your frame and drawing your partner back to you (works for leads AND follows).If you do bump into someone, it's probably not a big deal. Even experienced dancers will have collisions. As long as no one got hurt, there is no need to fret. Smile and apologize (even if it wasn't technically your fault) and keep on dancing. If it happens again, keep smiling and apologizing. Some new dancers get excited about swing and try to do aerials (picking the woman up and throwing her around) on their first night. Do not do this! Performing aerials on a social dance floor is extremely dangerous and reckless behavior. It might even get you thrown out of a dance. When aerials are performed outside of a highly controlled environment, people can get punched, kicked, dropped, or landed on. Aerials are exclusively reserved for experienced dancers in choreographed situations (performances, jam circles) where the dance floor is clear of hazards. Under most circumstances, giving someone an unsolicited lesson on the dance floor is considered poor form. If your partner didn't ask for help, don't try to give it. Not only does it distract from enjoying the dance, but someone you're "teaching" might turn out to be much much more experienced than you. Obviously, different people have different ways of asking for help. If someone is brand new, repeatedly states that they're new, and apologizes profusely after every mistake, maybe they are really asking for help. In these cases, saying something like "Can I offer you a tip?" is acceptable. Don't try to "inform" people against their will, however. When the song is over, please clap for the band. They'll appreciate it. |
