2.

Dancing Etiquette

Here are some tips to guide you on the dance floor.

• Be aware of people around you. You each have your own “space”. The better dancers are shown respect by allowing them more space than the less experienced dancers. Keep within your space. Men - glance behind you before you do a cross body lead, throw-away spin or similar move to make sure the girl has the room to complete the move. Just like on the footy field, you don’t lead your partner into trouble.
• The dance floor is a good place to try new moves, especially those you see being performed by dancers around you. BUT don’t do moves that could be dangerous – that is what practise sessions are for.
• Partner dancing means you are each responsible for the other. Women should not do a move they are being led into if it is unsafe, and Men control your partner’s movements to keep them in your space.
• Take small steps. We repeat this theme through this booklet, and once you start dancing in a nightclub you will know why. Small steps save you and others from bruised feet.
• Think before refusing a dance. Remember everyone has to learn and everyone is welcome in a Salsa Club. Refusing a request to dance can destroy a dancers confidence, so have a good reason before you refuse a dance.
• Having said that, if your partner is out of control then you should stop dancing, but explain why, just don’t walk off. Remember consideration for others feelings is a part of dancing etiquette.
• Men – your partner gives you signals of what she does and does not like. When you start your dance you should look for her signals that set the tone of the dance. If her frame is solid (she is keeping you at a distance) then dance away from her a little, and avoid the really sexy “hand down the sides of the body” and “layback” type moves. Remember the man leads the dance but the women sets the limits, so look for the signals.