When On The Dance Floor

Always respect the space of those around you. Don't over extend your bounds on a crowded dance floor. Be careful of over projecting with your arms or over use the dance floor (in our ballroom dancing in Sydney group class lessons or social parties) at the expense of colliding with another individual or couple. Dip and Lift type movements in a club or social setting should be avoided unless you're sure you can gauge that you have plenty of room around you. Dips and lifts can cause injuries when positioned incorrectly on a crowded dance floor. Dancing takes two; adjust to the dance skill level of your partner.  Always have Fun!! It is not necessary to apologise to your partner if a particular move is not executed perfectly. The point is not to have a perfect dance, having fun is the main objective. However, if your mistake may have physically hurt your partner, please apologise and make sure they are okay. Never criticize. Advice can only be asked for. Thank your partner for the dance. Show your appreciation.

Teaching On The Dance Floor

The following section is the most controversial portion of this section . Some people avoid the practice of "teaching on the ballroom dance floor" at all costs, others religiously seek out the chance to share their knowledge with new dancers. The following is a balanced view.

When Asking for instruction:

Be careful about asking others for a quick lesson on the ballroom floor. Many people are reluctant to give advice or criticize people that they are ballroom dancing with, since it could be taken negatively. Additionally, there are dancing teachers who do not like to be asked to teach while they are social dancing. This is not true for all teachers, but it is true for a certain percentage of them.

When Volunteering Instruction:

Only give advice if the other person explicitly asks for it. Sometimes unsolicited advice puts your dancing partner on the defensive. However, if a lead is hurting you, please speak up. In contrast, if the lead is only leading dance steps ineffectively, without any real harm to you, be more cautious with your words. Remember, that dance leaders have a lot to negotiate when ballroom dancing. 

Giving Feedback and Constructive Advice:

Before commenting on your partner's ballroom dancing; it is a good idea to think about what you can do to improve your own dancing. Obviously if someone is doing something stupid or dangerous to themselves or to others you should say something, but otherwise it may be more courteous to withhold comment. Just because you can criticize, does not mean that you should. If you feel the urge to say something, then attempt to phrase your comments politely, so as not to make the other person uncomfortable. It is nice to offer a compliment before offering constructive criticism. The best idea to assume that half the problem is on your end (your lead skills/your follow skills) and remember that if you are offering advice, be prepare to receive it. One effective phrase used by dancers is, "I don't think the figure worked out right, what do you think we can do to make it work better." Use encouraging words that allow for honest feedback on both sides. Don't let the other person think it is entirely their fault.

Handling Unsolicited Advice on the social Dance Floor:

If your dancing partner offers you advice, you can handle the situation in a number of ways. First, you can accept the feedback and be open to instruction given. By doing so you express that you want to hear their dance advice and wish to have dialogue about what is and is not working in regards to the dance. If you do not desire advice or feedback at the time, you can kindly say "thanks, but I don't feel like discussing ballroom dancing technique right now, I just want to dance." If you don't want the advice, you can say very little and let it go. Whatever you do, avoid blaming each other, which may lead to an uncomfortable situation. Remember, in the ballroom social dancing world, having fun is more important than being right!

When Dealing With Difficult People:

If somebody at a social dance event makes you feel uncomfortable, please speak with the director of the event. If you don't know the director’s name tell the DJ and he or she will get you in touch with the director. We will be glad to deal with them in a respectful manner.

Closing Thought:

It is wise to be lighthearted enough to just enjoy the dancing regardless of whether or not everyone is at their best dance etiquette.

Attire and Grooming:

We recommend purchasing ballroom Dance Shoes if you plan to make dancing in Sydney your hobby. They are specifically designed for flexibility, comfort, balance and movement with suede soles. You will be dancing in close quarters with a lot of new people so you may want to chew gum or breath mints. Avoid eating foods like garlic or onions for example, on dance days. 

Don't forget to wear deodorant, but if you wear cologne, use it sparingly if at all. Your dancing partner may not appreciate it if you use too much. Some people are even allergic to after shave or cologne and may have to turn you down for a dance if you choose to wear it. 

When Asking/Refusing a Dance

When Asking for a dance

Notice what the person is doing before you ask them to dance. Be wary of interrupting people in conversations. Ask politely, "Would you like to dance?" Avoid grabbing a partner and pulling them onto the ballroom dance floor.

One dance at a time is the norm. Should you want a consecutive ballroom dance with your partner, ask them first. Consider asking them if they want to dance at a later time. It is very acceptable for ladies to ask gentlemen to dance in Sydney these days. Most gentlemen are chuffed by the offer. Take the time to ballroom dance with someone new and get into the habit of making new friends and giving everyone the opportunity to dance. If you are an advanced ballroom dancer, that might mean even asking a beginner to dance. Remember, you were there once yourself, don't forget how exciting it was to dance with someone more experienced than you. Share the same joy. On the other hand, if you are a beginner and it seems advanced dancers keep to themselves, then feel free to break the ice if they don't. They’re probably not intentionally keeping to themselves, most likely since they've been dancing a long time they just know each other better.

Avoid monopolizing partners, especially the ones of a higher standard than yourself. Advanced dancers are often in very high demand. While the advanced dancers do usually dance with anyone, beginners included, I'm sure they like to dance with others of their own level as well, so it's good not to monopolize them. 

How to say "no"

Mostly we would always say yes to everyone who asked. If you must decline their offer, it’s common, but not required to provide a reason. (e.g, I promised this dance to someone else or I’m resting). You could then suggest dancing the next dance or later one. If you do then follow-up on that suggestion and not dance with someone else, a turn-down without an explanation is generally considered more serious and usually taken more personally than saying no with an explanation, so be careful about declining without a reason.

What to do if they say "no"

Don’t take it personally as all dancers sometimes get turned down, and there are others who would very much like to dance with you. Of course you can always ask again, but give them time and space and ask again later. It is usually a good idea to let a few dance songs pass, but if you continuously get a “no” then it might an idea to take private lessons. This type of instruction is not evident in group classes and you’d need a one to one with a professional instructor to improve your level. 

You can always ask again, but give them time and space and ask again later. It’s usually a good idea to let several dances pass. Also, don’t get discouraged if you are turned down. All dancers get knocked back from time to time. Many other people would very much like to dance with you. Ideally, we would all say "yes" to everyone who asked.

If you must decline a dance, it's common but not required, to provide a reason (e.g., I promised this dance to someone else or I’m resting). Then suggest dancing the next dance or a later dance, but if you do, make sure you do reserve that dance and don't dance it with someone else. A knock back without reason is generally considered more serious and usually taken more personally than a turn-down with an explanation, so be careful about declining without giving a reason in Sydney at the greatlife dance club’s group ballroom and latin class lessons and social dance parties.