Michele Rasmussen

With so much to remember as a dancer, one of the most important things to be aware of is where your feet and arms are, and where they are going. One of the first skills that you should try and master is awareness. Awareness of not only what your body is doing, but where it is going, and how it is getting there.

First things first. How do we get onto the dance floor? Just getting onto the dance floor can often be a challenge and require quite a bit of skill. "Merging" onto the dance floor is an art and no different than merging into traffic. Wait for a break, get on and get going! Do not expect dancers that are already dancing to be on the look out for you, or to stop and invite you into their dance space. Respect them and merge quickly and peacefully! Do not mosey onto the floor, stand there, count 8 beats and then start dancing. If you are not dancing a progressive dance, observe the dance floor to determine which direction dancers are slotted, wait for a break and then make a mad dash to the center of the floor! Being courteous, observant and quick to make adjustments allows for a collision free entrance and exit from the dance floor.

As a dancer, our arms can be very expressive and beautiful, but they can also be lethal weapons. Weapons to our partners, other dancers and even bystanders. Before you go throwing your arms up and over your head or out to your side, take care to look around and see that your way is clear. Be sure to bring your hand up close to your own body and face, before extending it up into the air. This way you will be sure not to poke your partner in the eye or hit him in the face with an elbow or two. Black eyes and bloody noses are no fun. When dancing around the outside of a dance floor, such as in Country Two Step, be very mindful of not only those spectators standing too close to the edge of the floor, but of the drinks on tables that are also often within flailing arms reach. You don't want to be labeled the "Dance Terminator"!

As far as your feet go, be careful where you step. Be aware of other dancers' feet around you, as well as your partner's. Take care not to step on anyone's toes! Watch where you are going and be aware of where you are stepping. Be careful of others that dance into your space. If you feel a foreign object under your foot, do NOT continue to step down. As dancers you should be able to quickly shift your weight to your other foot. It is often difficult, on a crowded dance floor to be aware of everyone around you, but if you take small steps, and don't lift your feet high off the ground you should be able to avoid dancing on someone else's feet. Leaders, your job can be extra trying at times as you need to be extra careful when you are backing your partner around the dance floor. She does not have rear view mirrors or eyes in the back of her head, so be careful not to back her into the person behind her. And ladies, there are times when it is your job to protect your him. Bottom line, protect each other from harms way, to the best of your ability. Be prepared to adjust to the stop and go dancing in the progressive lane. You can never count on a continual flow of traffic. Dancers will often pause to hit a break in the music, and couples move at different speeds, some taking small steps and others large. It is inevitable that traffic will back up; it is ok to pass, but look before changing lanes.

While there is much to remember while dancing, it is most important to remember that we are all there to have a great time. Awareness is key; on and off the dance floor.