Dancing should be a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Since dancing involves close contact proper
hygiene should be one of the top priorities for the dancer of either gender. Make sure that you both shower
(daily) and apply deodorant on a regular (daily) basis. Brush your teeth (dentists suggest after every meal);
Gum is no substitute and can actually impede your timing. And please... go easy on the garlic.
Lastly, be mindful of those that have scent alergies. Excessive perfume or cologne could cause adverse reactions.
If these rules of ettiquette are adhered to, dancing for both partners will be much more pleasant, even before
you start dancing.
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| Do's |
|---|
| Do dance with several partners at a dance -- and always with your hostess at least once. |
To be a really good dancer, you must be able to dance without having to think about your steps. Your feet must learn to respond easily to the rhythm of the music; you must be able to follow without apparent effort. |
| Do practice good sportsmanship by not monopolizing a single partner or the dance floor. |
Remember -- confidence is the name of the game. And confidence comes only with knowledge and practice. |
| Lead your partner smoothly through the crowd, being careful that hands or elbows do not collide with those of other couples. |
Cultivate lightness. It is vital. Practicing the basic steps in dancing -- especially practicing alone -- is the trick to learning lightness. |
| Remember that bad dancing habits are easier to make than break. Even while you are learning, follow along the "line of dance." When you enter onto a dance floor, stepping out counter-clockwise is the general rule. |
Keep your feet out of your partner's way. Develop a long, free back step by swinging from the hip. Once the basic steps become second nature, learn a variety of steps to improve your dance repertoire for more interest and fun. |
| Do escort your partner back to the table. Never leave her in the middle of dance floor. |
Move naturally, easily and comfortably. Don't be self-conscious or still. |
| Dont's |
|---|
| Don't apologize for your poor dancing. Improve it. |
Don't react negatively to your partner's dancing if they aren't perfect. They will improve. |
| Don't try intricate steps your partner can't follow. She may be impressed by your dancing but she will likely prefer a less fancy dancer who doesn't make her feel uncomfortable. |
If you are tall, don't try to appear smaller by bending your knees or slouching. This only spoils your posture. |
| Don't say you hate dancing just because you don't know how. |
If you are short, don't try to appear taller by dancing on your toes. This only shortens your steps and makes it more difficult to follow. |
| Don't let old-fashioned dancing date you! |
Don't dance for the onlookers' benefit. Concentrate on your partner. |
| Don't be serious. Leave your business face at the office when you step out. |
Don't wear large corsages or ornaments in front. You'll make an impression -- but not the right kind. |
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