Dance Floor Etiquette

Rules for Social Ballroom and Country Dancing

© Laura Allgrove

Apr 29, 2009

With the rise in social ballroom and country dancing’s popularity, more and more people are heading to their local dance floor. Dancing is fun and rewarding but dancing in a social setting can become frustrating if the basic rules of the dance floor are not followed by all dancers. Learn the dance steps, apply the dance floor etiquette, and love the evening.

The dance floor is divided into lanes. Sometimes there are different dances going on at the same time on the floor. Fast outside lane, the slower inside lane and the stationary middle.

Fast Lane

• The outside lanes are for progressive dancing, including 2-Step, Triple-2, Polka, and Waltz. Fast progressive dancers should move around the outside of the floor

Slower Lane

• Slower progressive dancers should stay in just inside the outside fast lane and let the faster dancers pass on the outside.
• The closer to the center, the slower dancers may go.

Middle

• The centre of the floor is reserved for stationary dances such as a line dance, Cha Cha and swing.
• Stationary dancers should also be aware of those around them and aware that progressive dancers coming around the edge of the dance floor.
• Line dancers should never line up out to the rail and block progressive dancers.

The Line of Dance

• Dancers moves around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction, known as the line of dance.

Let’s Dance

• When entering the dance floor it is the responsibility of incoming couples to stay out of the way of the couples already dancing.
• The man should vary the moves used according to the density of the crowd on the floor. Men need to be prepared for emergency moves to quickly lead them away from a collision.
• On a crowed floor keep the steps small and keep elbows to yourself.
• Most ladies enjoy a variety of dance moves but they do not like it to collide with other couples. Ladies can also help by looking over the man’s shoulder for up coming collisions. Try a resistant pull on his shoulder to alert him.

Bumping, Crashing and Stepping on Toes

• Be nice to your fellow dancers and try not to bump into them. Nothing looks worse than great dancers bumping into other dancers.
• It is the man’s job to lead, so it is his job to keep an eye out for traffic.
• If you do cause a wreck, smile and look apologetic. You will usually get a smile or nod in return.

Avoid Bad Attention

• Don’t fight on the floor. Resist the urge to argue with your partner about who blew it. Everyone makes mistakes; just smile and keep going.

When the Song Ends

• Applaud the band and thank your partner for the dance.
• It is tradition for the gentleman to give his arm to the lady and take her back to her seat.
• Do not stand on the dance floor to socialize.

Attitude –The Most Important

• A good attitude will allow you to have fun and a good time on the dance floor. No one else can do that for you.
• Pay attention to your partner, keep eye contact and try to smile. Nobody wants to dance with a grouchy guy or girl.

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