Dancing should be a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Since dancing involves close contact proper hygiene should be one of the top priorities for the dancer of either gender. Make sure that you both shower (daily) and apply deodorant on a regular (daily) basis. Brush your teeth (dentists suggest after every meal); Gum is no substitute and can actually impede your timing. And please…go easy on the garlic. Lastly, be mindful of those that have scent allergies. Excessive perfume or cologne could cause adverse reactions. If these rules of etiquette are adhered to, dancing for both partners will be much more pleasant, even before you start dancing.

The DO’s and DON’T’s of Ballroom Dancing

WOMEN’S BALLROOM DANCING TIPS

The DO’s of Women’s Ballroom Dancing

  • To be a really good dancer, you must be able to dance without having to think about your steps. Your feet must learn to respond easily to the rhythm of the music; you must be able to follow without apparent effort.
  • Remember—confidence is the name of the game and confidence comes only with knowledge and practice.
  • Cultivate lightness. It is vital. Practicing the basic steps in dancing—especially practicing alone—is the trick to learning lightness.
  • Keep your feet out of your partner’s way. Develop a long, free back step by swinging from the hip. Once the basic steps become second nature, learn a variety of steps to improve your dance repertoire for more interest and fun.
  • Move naturally, easily and comfortably. Don’t be self-conscious or still.

The DON’Ts of Women’s Ballroom Dancing

  • Don’t react negatively to your partner’s dancing if they aren’t perfect. They will improve.
  • If you are tall, don’t try to appear smaller by bending your knees or slouching. This only spoils your posture.
  • If you are short, don’t try to appear taller by dancing on your toes. This only shortens your steps and makes it more difficult to follow.
  • Don’t dance for the onlookers’ benefit. Concentrate on your partner.
  • Don’t wear large corsages or ornaments in front. You’ll make an impression—but not the right kind.

MEN’S BALLROOM DANCING TIPS

The DOs of Men’s Ballroom Dancing

  • Do dance with several partners at a dance—and always with your hostess at least once.
  • Do practice good sportsmanship by not monopolizing a single partner or the dance floor.
  • Lead your partner smoothly through the crowd, being careful that hands or elbows do not collide with those of other couples.
  • Remember that bad dancing habits are easier to make than break. Even while you are learning, follow along the “line of dance.” When you enter onto a dance floor, stepping out counter-clockwise is the general rule.
  • Do escort your partner back to the table. Never leave her in the middle of dance floor.

The DON’Ts of Women’s Ballroom Dancing

  • Don’t react negatively to your partner’s dancing if they aren’t perfect. They will improve.
  • If you are tall, don’t try to appear smaller by bending your knees or slouching. This only spoils your posture.
  • If you are short, don’t try to appear taller by dancing on your toes. This only shortens your steps and makes it more difficult to follow.
  • Don’t dance for the onlookers’ benefit. Concentrate on your partner.
  • Don’t wear large corsages or ornaments in front. You’ll make an impression—but not the right kind.