Santa Monica, CA
In order for any Social Dance event/function to remain friendly and enjoyable for all, each individual's conducive participation is necessary for the personal safety, out of respect, and as a common courtesy to Other Dancers and Spectators. The following are Guidelines of Dance Etiquette and Conduct that should be Routinely Observed and Excercised by All Dancers on any dance floor/area, including the 3rd Street Swingers' venue:
* Leaders, as a gentleman, take your follows hand, or hand on arm and Safely Lead and Escort her on to
the dance floor/area.
* Leaders, be Routinely Aware and Conscientious of other dance couples around you and Always Attempt
to Protect Your Follow for Her Safety, since you’re usually directing and guiding her movements.
* If you kick, step on, elbow, slap, or bump into someone, be sure to Acknowledge the Incident, then
Graciously Apologize, and determine that no serious injury has occured to them.
* Leaders, if dancing with less experienced follows, keep the steps simple and basic at first, then steadily
ramp up to the level your partner can Comfortably Handle and Enjoy. Don't be a "Showboat" when it’s
Not Necessary, the One Main Important Point to Remember, Always, is to “MAKE HER LOOK GOOD!”
* It’s Impolite to correct, criticise, or give instruction to your partner while dancing, unless the person asks
for your help, advice, or if the person is physically hurting you during a particular movement.
* If there is a live band performing, and at the conclusion of your dance, if not after each, then after a few
dances, please Give Your Acknowledgement and Respect to the Band by the Show of Your Polite Hand
of Applause. The musicians of the band will feel more appreciated, become more energized and
inspired to play even more enthusiastically and better for you and the audience when this occurs.
* At the conclusion of the dance, Graciously and Courteously “Thank” your partner, and then Safely Escort
her off the dance floor/area.
* If you desire NOT to dance, say something to the effect of, “I'm Sorry, No Thank You,” followed with a
“Qualifier.” But, DON’T Immediately Dance with someone else if you had just turned down a request
from another. It’s Very Impolite!
* It's Good Etiquette or Rule of Thumb, whenever the lead dances with any follow, especially a novice,
beginner, or new individual, that you try to dance with her for 2 consecutive songs. In this way, it will
give the opportunity and time for the follow to get a little more comfortable, familiar, connected, and to
better enjoy your lead and dance style. The exception to this, is when through verbal/nonverbal
communication or ques by the follow, that one dance is enough for her, or as the lead/follow, the next
song's tempo or style of music is not to your liking, or you're too tired, or simply that you can't dance to it.
* Aerial steps, moves or flips, simple or difficult, are NOT ALLOWED on a Crowded social dance floor/area,
with the Exception when it’s in a Jam Circle, or a Couple/Team Spotlight Performance.
* Aerial steps, moves or flips, simple or difficult, should ONLY be done with a Steady Partner, or with
individuals that you’ve Practiced or Successfully Performed with before.
* Practicing of any New Aerial steps, moves or flips, simple or difficult are NOT ALLOWED on a Crowded
social dance floor/area, Jam Circle, or in any Impromptu Spotlight Performance.
* If you Perspire Profusely, pace and/or limit the amount of your contiguous dancing, take more rest
breaks, dry yourself frequently as needed with a towel, napkins, fan, and/or bring a change of shirt(s) or
blouse(s). No One Desires to Voluminously Share In Your Sweat!
* Please Keep off the Dance Floor/Area if you're NOT dancing, just mingling, drinking, eating, or smoking.
For it can be a prime situation where an Accident or a question of Personal Safety may arise for the
Dancers and/or Yourself.
* If you happen to have a situation of Perspirational Malodorousness of the body, it's Highly
Recommended that you use deordant, cologne, perfume, or wear clean clothes, etc. For Unfavorable
Aroma of the breath (i.e. have eaten onions, garlic, etc.) or a condition of Halitosis, Please use breath
mints, chewing gum, or a breath spray, etc. In a Close Embrace, No One Desires to Be Olfactory
Challenged!
* If you desire to dance and to participate in the fun, whether you be female or male, you'll need to make it
seem somewhat readily obvious to others by Your Body Language and/or Facial Expression while Your
Standing or Sitting near the perimeter or vicinty of the dance floor/area. If you stand or sit off in some
obscure, dark, and/or back corner or area of the establishment, usually and typically you will not be
approached or asked to dance.
* No matter what level of dance abilities or experience any individual may have, We All Should Routinely
Remember and Strive for the Goal to ALWAYS and SIMPLY, "JUST HAVE FUN!"
4-09-2004
