29/10/2022
♦️Latin Dance Floor Etiquette
Whether you have been dancing for years or only just started, if you stick by these guidelines, you will not go wrong.
Dancing is a very active and at times an intimate social activity. As with other social situations there is an etiquette that you need to be aware of to make sure everybody has fun and does not feel uncomfortable.
Personal Hygiene
Most Latin dances are danced close. So remember it is very important that you are clean and smell nice before you go out dancing.
This means:
– Trying to shower before going out dancing
– Bring deodorant/perfume/cologne alon
when dancing. But don’t overdo it, lighter smells are better.
Brushing your teeth before going out dancing and bringing gum/mints to keep you minty fresh. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating strong smelling foods like onions and garlic on the day of dancing.
During Lessons
Firstly please always turn up on time… as turning up at the last minute causes lessons to start late, and turning up after the lesson has started is very disruptive, and unfair to your instructor and fellow class mates.
♦️When participating in group lessons the teachers deserve your full attention at all times. We are all there to have fun, but if you are chatting away with somebody during the class it is disrespectful to both the teacher who is trying to instruct and to the other students who are trying to learn.
Asking Somebody to Dance
Both men and women can go and ask somebody for a dance.
Unfortunately ladies, men do tend to be less confident about asking ladies to dance though. So don’t just sit there. If a guy is sitting down, then go over and politely ask him to dance. It is very rare you will get turned down. But if you are turned down, don’t take it personally. Normally it’s because he has been dancing a lot and needs a rest, wants to socialise with some friends, he doesn’t like the specific song playing, or he is very nervous and only likes dancing with specific people.
This does not mean men that you can get out of asking ladies to dance just because they can ask you. It is very important that you ask ladies to dance too, so they feel wanted and appreciated. It’s not nice when people come to a salsa class/event and are just sitting there all night not dancing. If you see this happening, then make an effort to go and ask them to dance. I guarantee you will make their night! And like above, if you get turned down, don’t take it personally. There are loads of reasons. So just say thank you very much and move on to the next person. There are always plenty around!
IMPORTANT NOTE :
♦️DON'T keep pestering someone to dance. If you have been turned down at some point through the night, then don’t ask them again. Wait for them to ask you. It is not polite to keep asking someone to dance, if they have already said no to you, for whatever reason.
One more thing….
If someone is in a conversation, then leave them alone, it is not polite to interrupt them as they will feel obliged to dance with you and not want to turn you down. Leave them finish their conversation and ask them later in the evening.
♦️try not to grab someone straight off the dance floor. Ladies we know there are never enough men, but let them at least get off the dance floor, before asking them to dance the next song. Remember they are going to get tired constantly dancing.
Dancing Close
Although as we said above Latin dancing is normally danced close, you will find a lot of people only dance very close if you are familiar with the other person. You have to use your judgement here based on your partner’s willingness or resistance to being close. Don’t push it any further than your partner is happy with.
♦️Flirting
– Do not flirt inappropriately, especially if they’re not single or in your age range.
– Do not use sexually suggestive language
Most girls dance salsa for fun, not to pick up guys.
So if you are a guy and the girl is dancing close or styling in a very sexy way, this does not necessarily mean she’s interested in a romantic way.
More likely she is just having fun and expressing herself and making the dance look good.
This goes the same for guy’s ladies! Just because he is asking you to dance more often than the next lady. It does not mean anything. He probably just enjoys how you dance and feel when dancing with him.
♦️After the Dance
Smile, thank your partner and lead them off the dance floor. Don’t just leave them there in the middle of the dance floor as you walk off.
♦️Illness
If you’re sick, you should stay at home. Nobody will appreciate you for giving them a cold or flu.
Wish you a happy time!
