Dance Floor Etiquette

Most of the following tips apply to any kind of dancing, but it's worth mentioning them:

• If your lucky enough to be listening to a live band never forget to turn to them and applaud them before or as you leave the floor.  If they are good enough for you to dance to then recognise it with a little applause.
   

• Don't smoke on the dance floor.
   

• Don't eat or drink on the dance floor. You'll only spill it and nobody wants to dance through that!
   

• If you recognise a dance and want to join in – Please join from the back of the line not in the middle, unless invited.
   

• Don't stand talking on the dance floor it’s great to see old friends and new ones but please leave the dance floor first.
   

• Don't hog the floor. You need a certain amount of space, but everybody's moving in the same direction at the same time, so you don't need that much.
   

• If you want to do a different dance to others give your self plenty of clear space, you never know others may join you.
   

• If the floor is crowded, take small steps.
   

• If you collide with somebody, apologise even if it isn't really your fault. This keeps everybody sweet.
   

• In many venues line dancing is done at the same time and on the same floor as partner dancing. Remember, partner dances have the outside of the floor, line dancers have the middle. In this situation, at the start of the dance line up facing one of the long edges of the floor. Also remember that dancers round the outside have 'right of way'.
   

• Don't try to teach someone the steps while a dance is in progress. Find somewhere quiet, out of the way, or wait until another time.
   

• Don't walk across the dance area while a dance is in progress. Walk round or wait.
   

• You will develop your own 'style' if you line dance long enough. But don't go crazy. People are there to enjoy themselves, which they won't if your 'style' involves acting like a demented windmill.
   

• Smile, darn it, and enjoy yourself!

   DANCE FLOOR