The Do's and Don'ts of Social Dancing (Part 1)

Let's talk etiquette for a second. Everyone knows basic table manners - keep those elbow off the dinner table! - but do you know the rules of the dance floor? They may seem self-explanatory, but you'd be amazed at how many dancers go out with little to no concern for everyone else (at least here in Phoenix). Whether it's salsa, ballroom, swing, or tango, dancing is a joint effort. We at Dance FX Studios are here to help, so let's talk about a few of the "do"s of social partner dancing!

Do #1:

DO ask for a dance. 

I understand. She's gorgeous, a great dancer, and super intimidating. But, she's there to dance just as much as you are! Dancers are super friendly, so give it a shot. The worst she can do is say "No, thanks." If she does, move on to the next one. There are plenty of fish in the proverbial sea who'd love to tear up the floor with you!

Ladies - a tip: Make yourself accessible if you want to dance! If you're seated in the farthest away corner from the dance floor, you don't exactly look ready to boogie. Stand near (but not ON) the dance floor, and let those guys know you're available for a dance. If you're feeling extra bold, find that shy guy and ask him yourself! We ARE in the 21st century, after all.

As a side note, I do mean ask for a dance. Walking up to someone and dragging them onto the floor sans invitation (unless you're already close friends/partners) generally leaves a bad taste in said partner's mouth. Use your words!

Do #2:

DO know how to navigate the dance floor.

No one wants to run into the other dancers on the floor, so it's the leader's job to know the rules of navigating the dance space. Are you dancing foxtrot or Country Two Step? Make sure you follow that line of dance! And practice going around those corners (and other dancers) with something a little more exciting than a rotating sway. Swing? Salsa? You may not be traveling quite as much, but you definitely have limited space. Keep an eye out for flying arms and feet of the dancers around you. It's your job as a leader to guide your follower out of danger at all times. And my lovely followers, give your lead a helping hand. He has blind spots that you can see, so don't be afraid to let him know (with either words or a slight tug) that a couple magically appeared behind him. 

Lucky for you, we at Dance FX Studios are here to help you learn floor navigation as part of our lessons. We know that there is more to dancing than just knowing the moves, so we're happy to put your driving skills to the test and help you grow.

Do #3:

DO practice good hygiene.

It seems like I shouldn't have to say this, but I've encountered my fair share of smelly guys and girls on the dance floor. Be kind to your fellow dancers - shower, brush your teeth, and use deodorant. Dancing is cardio! You are also putting yourself into someone's personal space while performing said cardio. Do I need to say more? 

Careful not to overdo it though! A lot of people are sensitive to strong smells, so be respectful of your allergy prone friends and leave the AXE/Victoria's Secret body sprays at home. 

Want more DO's? Come on down to Dance FX Studios in Mesa and ask our instructors! We all have plenty of dance floor experience that we're happy to share with you. We are conveniently located off the 101 and the 60, near Tempe and Chandler, just minutes away from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. We have private lessons as well as super fun group classes, so you have no reason not to come visit us. No matter what your preferred style of dance, we'll teach you some killer moves, as well as how to achieve them successfully on the dance floor. Now, take these tips and go bust a move!