Dance Etiquette 

We want to help create safe spaces for people to unwind, relax, and learn about this awesome art form. In order to do that, we have some basic dance guidelines for creating and maintaining that space. 

Thank you for helping us make this place dance space awesome!

Classes

Respect…

• …other students
  • They’re here to learn. Don’t talk over the teachers. 
  • Flirting can be fun. But if you’re making people uncomfortable, you might be asked to leave. Be aware.
  • Not everyone is the same. Psychological, physical, and sexual harassment related to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or religion will NOT be tolerated.
• …the building 
  • Campfire rule. Leave it better than you found it. 
  • Keep noisy enthusiasm to a minimum when leaving. We like our neighbors!
• …the teachers
  • You may think the class is too easy for you, but a mark of a good dancer is being able to learn from anyone; even champion dancers re-take beginner classes and drill the basics. 

Dances

Respect…

• …the building 
  • Campfire rule. Leave it better than you found it. 
  • Keep noisy enthusiasm to a minimum when leaving. We like our neighbors!
• …the other dancers
  • Flirting can be fun. But if you’re making people uncomfortable, you might be asked to leave. Be aware.
  • Not everyone is the same. Psychological, physical, and sexual harassment related to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or religion will NOT be tolerated.
  • A drink or two when dancing is great, but if you’ve had one or three too many and are being disruptive, you might be asked to leave. We will call you a cab, though. Side note: underage drinking will not be tolerated and will result in a lifetime ban.
• …the staff
  • We’re here to help, and we’re doing our best to create a safe space. Mistakes happen – we are human, after all. Just give us a minute, and we’ll get it sorted out. 

House Parties

Respect…

• …the building 
  • Campfire rule. Leave it better than you found it. 
  • Keep noisy enthusiasm to a minimum when leaving. We like our neighbors!
• …the other dancers
  • Flirting can be fun. But if you’re making people uncomfortable, you might be asked to leave. Be aware.
  • Not everyone is the same. Psychological, physical, and sexual harassment related to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or religion will NOT be tolerated.
  • A drink or two when dancing is great, but if you’ve had one or three too many and are being disruptive, you might be asked to leave. We will call you a cab, though. Side note: underage drinking will not be tolerated and will result in a lifetime ban.
• …the homeowners
  • We’re here to help, and we’re doing our best to create a safe space. Mistakes happen – we are human, after all. Just give us a minute, and we’ll get it sorted out. 

Tips and Tricks

Quell the smell!

• Sweat. Dancing is physical activity; sweat happens. But your partners would rather not have to feel or smell yours. Wear deodorant, and if you happen to sweat a lot, consider bringing a change of shirts. 
• Breath. Garlic is delicious, but no one wants to smell your dinner. Bring breath mints or even a travel tooth brush. 
• Clothes. People are going to be in your personal space; you don’t need to wear designer duds, but please do be clean. 
• Perfume. Again, people are going to be in your personal space, and some might be allergic to perfume/cologne. A little scent is great, but go easy on it. 

Dress and hair

• Avoid bare skin where your partners will be touching. Sweaty cloth may be gross, but it’s not as bad as sweaty skin.
• Tame the hair. Long hair may hit your partner in the face and braids become swinging ropes of death. Please be aware and style accordingly. 

Asking to dance 

• Use your words. “Care to dance?” “Would you like to dance?” “May I have this dance, m’lady?” Whatever fits your personality. Just don’t hold a hand out and silently stare at the person expecting them to jump at the chance to dance with you. Please.
• Ladies, feel free to ask. If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t sweat it.

Turning down a dance

• It’s allowed, no explanation needed. Whether it’s because that person makes you feel uncomfortable or you just don’t like that song, you’re allowed to say no. If the person asks for a reason, you can give it if you like, or not if you don’t. Side note: If you say “Find me for another one,” please do mean it.
• Be polite. We’re building a community here, and snobbery doesn’t help that.

Dance with everyone

• (This excludes the person who makes you uncomfortable or who might hurt you. Be safe.)  
• Beginners, ask everyone. It’s the best way to learn and get to know people. 
• Old hands, ask everyone. Advanced dancers were kind enough to dance with you when you were starting; pay it forward.