Dance Etiquette?

Questions about dance etiquette?

Question: "I'm a beginner, really trying, but when I'm on the dance floor, sometimes I feel intimidated by the people who are really good, and I feel like I'm in their way. I've been told about the Line of Dance and where beginners like me should be, but it always seems like I'm not where I'm supposed to be. Any advice?"

Linda says, " You're exactly where you're supposed to be! On the dance floor! That's where you learn by doing. Granted, sometimes by trial and error......oh, well!.....That's where we all start!
People learn to dance for a variety of reasons, and one reason jumps out at all of us: We want to have FUN! An evening of social dancing offers an opportunity to do just that - have fun with other people who enjoy doing the same thing - Dancing!

The fun can be snuffed out pretty quickly by lack of good manners, a snobbish superior attitude or a general lack of consideration for others. A social dance is NOT a competition. The role of the lead is NOT to be the best looking dancer on the floor by trying to outdance your partner or impress others, but rather to connect with your partner in a way that is supportive and enjoyable for both of you as well as considerate for other dancers of all levels who are sharing the floor space. Hence, the Line of Dance to indicate a counterclockwise flow of direction around the ballroom floor.

Suggested use of outside lanes and inside lanes and center floor space are not exclusive to levels of ability, but rather a flow of direction -Courtesy reigns!

The Line of Dance is a living obstacle course, if you will, in a series of trials and errors that present themselves to all of us as we learn there's great room for improvement of our skills in this activity we call social dancing.

So my friend, you are NOT in anyone's way - welcome to an activity that is as Fun as you make it, and that is a way of sharing your love of music with your partner and with others. Welcome to the dance floor!"

About the Author:
Linda Staver is a Certified Ballroom Dance Teacher, a Professional Dancer, a Pro-Am Teacher, and a Ballroom Competiton Adjudicator recognized by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA),Director of the Oregon Ballroom Dance Instructors College, providing specialized training to become Certified Ballroom DanceTeachers (Certification recognized by the NDCA). Linda Staver is also a Ballroom Event Organizer, CEO of Staver Productions, LLC, and the Former Organizer of the San Francisco Autumn Dance Classic (an NDCA sanctioned Competition).

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