Ballroom Dance Etiquette
Sometimes in dancing there are unspoken rules and behaviours; sometimes they are so unspoken, that not everyone knows about them or we take them for granted and forget about them. We want everyone at Arthur Murray to feel comfortable, so here is a quick list of Dance Etiquette tips. To make it a little more fun and less “Emily Post” all the etiquettes listed below are the titles of songs that you can dance to.
Don’t Push Me Cause I’m Close to the Edge: When offering to dance with someone we don't want to push or pull them onto the dance floor. As a leader we want to offer the hand for the follower to take and then guide them onto the floor. No wrist grabbing! While dancing we also don’t want to physically push our partner to follow us but be clear with our directional intent.
Thank You Very, Very Much: It’s common courtesy to thank your partner for the dance regardless of their level. Remember we were all beginners at one stage, and they tend to look up and be inspired by those who are more experienced. A little “Thank you” goes a long way. If you are offered to dance but need a break or to rest an injury, still thank the person and politely ask them to save you a dance for later, while you take your rest.
Is it Too Late Now to Say “Sorry”: Similarly, if we step on our partners toes or accidentally dance into someone a simple ‘sorry’ is good manners and is always appreciated. Not to worry, mistakes are how we learn.
Life in the Fast Lane: In dancing, the “flow of traffic” goes in an anticlockwise direction; we never want to go against the ‘line of dance’. Also, if you wish to overtake a slower dancer the general rule is to overtake them on the outside. Outside is for fast dancers, the middle of the dance floor is for slower/stationary dancers. Be mindful, stay in your lane and watch out for others.
Don’t Stop Me Now: Only in an emergency should we stop dancing on the floor. If we make a mistake that is okay, just keep going. We all make mistakes, shake it off and continue your stride.
You Say it Best, When You Say Nothing at All: It is best not to correct other students (unless they ask for feedback but even then it should be respectful and constructive). We never went to correct our partner at a Showcase or a performance, it’s a learning process, they will already have enough to think about.
Hot Stuff: It is only natural to become hot and sweaty when we dance as either a leader or a follower. If you have enough time to change shirts and freshen up for your next dance partner please do so, alternatively have a towel close by soak up that extra “enthusiasm” that has leaked out.
One is the Loneliest Number: At a dance event where the leaders are wearing a number, it is polite to face the number toward the judges, before and after you dance. This makes it easier for them to spot you on the floor and give you the correct feedback for you.
Blank Space: Some dancers may have never danced in closed position before or find it uncomfortable. We don’t want to invade the personal space of our partner, so how do we know when to dance in closed or not? A simple option is to ask, but if in the heat of the moment if you forget, you can create space between you and your partner. This will then let your partner know you prefer to dance in an open position. If space is created try not to keep closing it.
I’ve had the Time of My Life: With all the excitement and adrenaline, a leader may become “off time” and be behind or ahead of the beat. As a follower it is better to follow the off-time leader than to try and correct the lead. Sometimes it’s better to just go with the flow.
Hopefully this helps to shed some light on ballroom ettiequte and why we do or not do certain things. For a more detailed list of ettiequte rules visit: https://www.arthurmurraylive.com/blog/great-ballroom-dance-etiquette