From My High Horse
I go out swing/blues dancing a lot to live music, and I'm not the greatest dancer ever, but I still see a lot of bad dance etiquette. So, here's a little list of my personal "dos" and "don'ts" of the game.
Things That Will Make You Look Like A Better Dancer, Even If You Can't Dance
1. Dress comfortably. You will look ten times sexier in a t-shirt and jeans than you will constantly pulling up straps, hiking down skirts, and rearranging your dress (may I add that this is a valuable life lesson off of the dance floor, too?). Also, know how high that skirt goes when you spin. The best way to test this is to spin quickly in one direction and then the other, without stopping, in front of a mirror. Your skirt will be at its highest just after the direction change. If you can't do jumping jacks or hula-hoop in your outfit without having to rearrange it afterward, it's probably not going to be fun to dance in.
2. Shoes. No one is going to be impressed if you're teetering on too-high heels, hobbling in too-tight flats, or struggling to keep your sandals from falling off (also a general life rule). You should be able to walk at least a half a mile in them and do a hopscotch.
3. Long ponytails and pigtails can put someone's eye out. Keep the hair under control. Fix your coiffure before getting on the dance floor, and be prepared to leave it alone once you're there.
4. Know your terrain. Check the dance floor for spills, cracks, chairs, steps, slopes, drunks, etc.
5. Check your blind spot, even if you're following. If you bump into someone, apologize. It's just nice.
6. Yield to that awesome couple. If another pair is doing something really neat, give them space.
7. Dancing by yourself... I'm all for it in some circumstances, but remember that, as a general rule, you'll look cooler with partner.
8. Don't bring your purse or your drink onto the dance floor. That's just silly.
9. Ladies, ladies, do NOT give in to the temptation to extend the leg high in the air when someone dips you. It doesn't look as sexy as it feels, and it's dangerous! Keep your knees together and dip with dignity.
10. If you're not dancing, you probably don't belong on the dance floor. Stand somewhere else, please.
11. TIP THE BAND. Dancers are notorious for not tipping. It's just nice.
12. Watch your elbows. They don't have to stick out.
13. It isn't necessary to extend your arms as long as they'll go with every spin. It takes up a lot of space and you look like you've got spaghetti arms.
14. Leads...if you're not a good dancer, no one will be fooled if you keep your follow spinning like a top the whole time. Let her retain her equilibrium, and don't be too rough. She prefers her shoulders to stay in their sockets where they belong. Also, smaller steps, please. Those great leaps across the dance floor will only make your follow have to work to keep from falling.
15. Smell nice, please. A piece of gum or a Tic-Tac can go a long way.
16. It is your God-given right to say "no." If a guy is drunk, creepy, if it's too crowded, or if you're just tired, you shouldn't dance. Say "no thanks" with conviction. "Oh...um...I don't know how to dance..." is not a good answer to this question, at least not if you're using it to stay off the dance floor. In a pinch, "recovering from knee surgery" is always an option. If the guy won't leave you alone, talk to the bar management.
17. Accepting a dance is not a contract. You can get off that dance floor at any time. If your partner is scary, smelly, bad, or making you uncomfortable, you can stop dancing in the middle of a song. Yes, it's awkward, but the both of you will recover.
18. Keep it on the dance floor, if you can. Most bars have designated walking areas, sitting areas, and dancing areas. They're that way for your safety and convenience. I can't tell you how many times some asshat has gotten right up in front of my seat and started dancing. Other patrons do not appreciate lap-dances. Be aware that some people may want to see the band and maintain a little personal space.
19. If you're dancing, you should be having fun. If you're not having fun, you should stop dancing. People can generally tell if you're not having fun.
20. Smile!
I go out swing/blues dancing a lot to live music, and I'm not the greatest dancer ever, but I still see a lot of bad dance etiquette. So, here's a little list of my personal "dos" and "don'ts" of the game.
Things That Will Make You Look Like A Better Dancer, Even If You Can't Dance
1. Dress comfortably. You will look ten times sexier in a t-shirt and jeans than you will constantly pulling up straps, hiking down skirts, and rearranging your dress (may I add that this is a valuable life lesson off of the dance floor, too?). Also, know how high that skirt goes when you spin. The best way to test this is to spin quickly in one direction and then the other, without stopping, in front of a mirror. Your skirt will be at its highest just after the direction change. If you can't do jumping jacks or hula-hoop in your outfit without having to rearrange it afterward, it's probably not going to be fun to dance in.
2. Shoes. No one is going to be impressed if you're teetering on too-high heels, hobbling in too-tight flats, or struggling to keep your sandals from falling off (also a general life rule). You should be able to walk at least a half a mile in them and do a hopscotch.
3. Long ponytails and pigtails can put someone's eye out. Keep the hair under control. Fix your coiffure before getting on the dance floor, and be prepared to leave it alone once you're there.
4. Know your terrain. Check the dance floor for spills, cracks, chairs, steps, slopes, drunks, etc.
5. Check your blind spot, even if you're following. If you bump into someone, apologize. It's just nice.
6. Yield to that awesome couple. If another pair is doing something really neat, give them space.
7. Dancing by yourself... I'm all for it in some circumstances, but remember that, as a general rule, you'll look cooler with partner.
8. Don't bring your purse or your drink onto the dance floor. That's just silly.
9. Ladies, ladies, do NOT give in to the temptation to extend the leg high in the air when someone dips you. It doesn't look as sexy as it feels, and it's dangerous! Keep your knees together and dip with dignity.
10. If you're not dancing, you probably don't belong on the dance floor. Stand somewhere else, please.
11. TIP THE BAND. Dancers are notorious for not tipping. It's just nice.
12. Watch your elbows. They don't have to stick out.
13. It isn't necessary to extend your arms as long as they'll go with every spin. It takes up a lot of space and you look like you've got spaghetti arms.
14. Leads...if you're not a good dancer, no one will be fooled if you keep your follow spinning like a top the whole time. Let her retain her equilibrium, and don't be too rough. She prefers her shoulders to stay in their sockets where they belong. Also, smaller steps, please. Those great leaps across the dance floor will only make your follow have to work to keep from falling.
15. Smell nice, please. A piece of gum or a Tic-Tac can go a long way.
16. It is your God-given right to say "no." If a guy is drunk, creepy, if it's too crowded, or if you're just tired, you shouldn't dance. Say "no thanks" with conviction. "Oh...um...I don't know how to dance..." is not a good answer to this question, at least not if you're using it to stay off the dance floor. In a pinch, "recovering from knee surgery" is always an option. If the guy won't leave you alone, talk to the bar management.
17. Accepting a dance is not a contract. You can get off that dance floor at any time. If your partner is scary, smelly, bad, or making you uncomfortable, you can stop dancing in the middle of a song. Yes, it's awkward, but the both of you will recover.
18. Keep it on the dance floor, if you can. Most bars have designated walking areas, sitting areas, and dancing areas. They're that way for your safety and convenience. I can't tell you how many times some asshat has gotten right up in front of my seat and started dancing. Other patrons do not appreciate lap-dances. Be aware that some people may want to see the band and maintain a little personal space.
19. If you're dancing, you should be having fun. If you're not having fun, you should stop dancing. People can generally tell if you're not having fun.
20. Smile!
evangeline:
this is the most hilarious guideline ever.
coleen:
Nice ^_^