Social dancing etiquette
Asking people to dance
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Feel free to politely ask anyone if they would like to dance. Ask verbally so that people have the opportunity to consent or not consent to a dance. Don’t be shy about approaching more experienced dancers, new dancers or people you don’t know! Introduce yourself, find out if they prefer leading or following, or like to switch. If you have a preference, let them know if you would like to dance lindy hop, shag or balboa etc. If they say no this time, it’s no worries, maybe later - don’t take it personally; they may be tired, protecting an injury or just not like the song that’s playing. Be considerate of asking people if they are obviously deep in conversation, otherwise busy or appear to be taking time out away from the dance floor.
Being asked to dance
There is no obligation to dance when asked – you are welcome to graciously decline and you do NOT have to give a reason. However, if you are simply having a rest or waiting for a slower/faster song to come along, and would be happy to dance with the person later on, it is considerate to say so – it can sometimes take courage to ask someone for a dance. If you have any particular wishes (such as avoiding certain movements e.g. spinning) let your partner know.
Dancing together
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Every dance is a new adventure and a team endeavour! Tune in to your partner and the music, and be open to new ideas, self-expression and improvisation as your dancing style and experience connects with someone else’s – laugh off mistakes. Lead-follow is an equal partnership working together to create the dance – there should be mutual trust and respect. It is typical to dance to one song before thanking your partner and moving on, but if you have a fun dance and like the next tune, there’s nothing to stop you both deciding to stay on the dancefloor for another. If you are dancing to a band, don’t forget to applaud the musicians at the end of the song!
Feeling safe
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Neither partner should feel coerced or dominated into having their movement or body directed in a way they don’t want – if at any time you feel unsafe or at risk (for example, of injury) you may immediately stop the dance and walk away. If you are simply out of puff or want to stop for any other reason, that’s always ok too. Do not lead your partner into aerials or dips unless this is already an established move between you or you have their express consent. If someone accidentally hurts you, let them know – if you hurt your partner by mistake, apologise! Partner dancing is a ‘contact sport’ requiring touch, pressure and momentum to work – but this should NEVER be sexual or make you feel uncomfortable. Respect the ‘no go zones’ on the body and if contact is accidentally made, apologise.
‘Floorcraft’
Both partners should remain alert and aware of their surroundings and other dancers nearby at all times. Look out for your partner – have each other’s backs and try to anticipate where it’s safe to move. Seek available space to dance in (do not create space by barging others out of the way). If another couple is dancing carelessly, move away. Adapt and control your movements to the space available – the more crowded the floor, the smaller and more contained you will need to be. The social floor is no place for aerials – save them for contests, showcases or jams where you are given the space. Try to avoid collisions or interfering with other couples’ dance space. If you accidentally make contact (for example, kicking someone), stop and apologise and make sure they are OK.
Personal hygiene
Dancing energetically in close proximity with others involves sweat. Do all you can to keep it to yourself! Have a fan or use a towel or handkerchief to mop your brow and prevent drips. Bring a different shirt or top to change into when one gets damp. Many swing dancers prefer to dress to avoid prolonged skin-to-skin contact (for example, avoiding vests or backless dresses). Body odour and bad breath are unpleasant for everyone – always shower and wear deodorant, chew gum or brush your teeth and try to avoid garlicky foods before dancing.
Health
If you are suffering from a cough, cold or other contagious illness, it is considerate to try to avoid spreading it – either by sitting out from dancing or wearing a face mask. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently (after the bathroom, between dance partners, before eating, etc).
Attitudes and behaviour
Our wish is to be inclusive and tolerant, celebrating our diverse community of dancers and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and welcome to express their unique selves. Make people feel welcome if you can – if someone is alone or attending for the first time, chat to them or invite them to dance. As in any adult social space, you will encounter people with different backgrounds, attitudes and social norms. Some people are old friends who go back years, while others are new faces (friends we haven’t met yet!). Bear in mind that someone you don’t know very well may misunderstand or feel uncomfortable with ‘edgy’ jokes or topics - politics, religious references or sexual innuendo are not for everyone. Unwanted sexual advances, bullying and harassment are unacceptable – if you observe or receive any such behaviour please speak in confidence to one of the committee.
Feedback
In a social dancing environment, we leave class behind and are free to explore and express ourselves to music, together with a partner, in an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and open-mindedness. The social dancefloor is no place for unsolicited feedback or advice on someone else’s dancing technique or style. You might have the best of intentions and wish to help - especially if someone is less experienced, wanting to improve, or you believe you can fix an error - but try to avoid offering ANY feedback unless your partner specifically asks for it. Even then, give it sparingly and constructively, with the aim of building their confidence – and consider if there is anything you yourself could do differently to help solve the issue. There are lots of formal opportunities to practice, learn and improve outside of the social.
In class, it is also good practice to avoid giving feedback to fellow students, unless the teacher has specifically asked you to work together with your partner to practice or figure something out together. If you consider partners to be missing something or making a mistake, it is better to ask the teacher for help or raise it as a question in class – without reference to your particular partner - so that everyone can benefit from the insight.
The exception to the above is if an issue with someone’s dancing is causing danger or discomfort to yourself or others – in which case it’s important to prevent harm by letting them or the teachers/organisers know.
Photos and videos
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Please see our policy on event photography regarding the possibility you might appear in photos or videos taken by our team for use in FCS publicity. You have the right to ask us not to use photos of you in this way. Meanwhile however, attendees often photograph themselves and others at events, and some people like to post these on their personal social media. In this case it is polite to avoid filming intrusively, to ask people appearing in your photographs if they mind being photographed, and to ask for their consent before you share the material. Be considerate of those who might prefer to relax and enjoy dancing without worrying about being captured on video, especially being featured prominently in closeups or prolonged clips – if in doubt, it is best to stick to general crowd or band shots.