Michele Rasmussen

Dancing is just like any other sport. It has rules and guidelines to follow to ensure that everyone has a good time, goes home with all toenails intact and no bloody noses. Some of the "Rules" are very simple, just using common sense and courtesy will help to ensure that everyone has a good time in a social dance setting. Common things that are often overlooked can range from talking on the dance floor, to smoking and drinking on the dance floor. These often apply more at a local club or bar rather than a studio. Often dancers must share the dance floor with others that are oblivious to etiquette of any kind let alone dance etiquette, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Leader's be mindful of where you are leading your follower and attempt to protect her. Also, do not lead moves that could likely wipe out another person on a crowded floor. Lifts and aerials are very dangerous on a crowded dance floor, as are flailing arms and legs.

There are also certain areas on a dance floor that you should dance particular dances. Stationary dances, such as Cha Cha, Rhumba, East or West Coast Swing, Hustle or even Night Club 2 Step should be danced in the center of the floor. Line dancers should also be in the center of the floor, making sure not to spread out into the outside line of dance.The outside fast lane should be used for traveling dances such as Country Two Step, Foxtrot, Waltz, Polka and other progressive pattern dances. If you are dancing a stop and go type dance, dance inside the fast lane, between the stationary dancers and the ones that are moving quickly around the outside of the dance floor.

Keeping these simple rules in mind will ensure that everyone has a great time and hopefully the only aches and pains that you bring home are from dancing till your feet fall off! Dance Floor Etiquette Dance Chart