Dance Etiquette

Dancing in a new environment can feel intimidating, especially when you’re unsure of the social norms. To help you feel comfortable and confident, we’ve put together a few key etiquette guidelines to make your experience enjoyable and welcoming for everyone.

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Etiquette during classes

Our classes are designed to be inclusive and supportive, and we all share the responsibility of creating a positive learning environment.

• Avoid giving unsolicited advice: Leave teaching and critique to the instructors. Even if you notice something, it’s best to keep it to yourself unless your partner explicitly asks for help. Everyone learns at their own pace.

• Refrain from critiquing your partner: We have dancers of all skill levels, and critique can make someone feel uncomfortable or discouraged. Encouragement and support go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.

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Etiquette during social dancing

Social dancing is about having fun and connecting with others, regardless of skill level. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your social dance experience:

• Be kind and supportive: Never blame your partner if something goes wrong during a dance. Mistakes happen, and it’s all part of the learning process.

• Be considerate when asking someone to dance: Make eye contact and ask politely, such as: “Would you like to dance?” You may specify your preferred role if relevant, e.g., “I’d like to lead.” Both leaders and followers should feel free to ask others to dance.

  • Accepting requests to dance: It’s generally considered good etiquette to accept a dance request unless you feel uncomfortable. If you decline a dance, it’s polite not to accept another dance to the same song with a different partner.

  • Handle rejections gracefully: If someone declines a dance, you should handle it with grace. Perhaps you’ve danced recently, or they’re just not feeling the song.

• One dance per partner is the norm: In West Coast Swing, we usually only dance once before rotating. If you enjoyed a dance and you felt your partner did too, you can ask for one more, but respect their decision if they decline.

• Dance to your partner’s level: Adjust your dancing to ensure your partner has a great experience. Your goal should be to make them feel comfortable and confident, regardless of their experience. If you are more experienced, you should try to dance with the newer dancers as well, so they feel welcomed and have a chance to build their skill confidence.

• No teaching on the social floor: Social dancing is about enjoying the dance, not getting lessons. Avoid giving unsolicited advice during a dance.

• Mind your space on the dance floor: Be mindful of other dancers, especially when space is tight. Try not to bump into others and adjust your movements as needed.

• Apologize for accidental contact: In dancing there will be times where you accidentally touch somewhere unintentional. If this happens, give a quick apology and keep dancing.

• Communicate about safety and comfort: If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, speak up calmly and clearly. Your safety and well-being always come first, and it’s okay to express your needs respectfully.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while dancing: Drinking can impair your coordination and balance, making you a less safe and enjoyable dance partner.