This list is not exhaustive and intended as a helpful guide. Please get in touch with us if you can think of any changes or additions which might help other dancers.

 

1. Respect the Space and Others

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When dancing in a group or at an event, keep an eye on the space around you to avoid bumping into others.

• Respect Personal Space: When you are dancing with a partner, be mindful of personal space and boundaries, particularly in crowded environments. Keep the connection relaxed and comfortable.

• Apologize if You Accidentally Touch Someone: If you unintentionally bump into or touch another dancer, always offer a quick and sincere apology. It’s a simple way to show respect for others’ personal space.

• Keep Conversations Quiet – Noise during dances can be distracting for musicians and dancers. We encourage keeping conversations to a minimum while dancing, so that the focus remains on building a non-verbal connection and fully immersing in the music.

 

2. Good Posture is Key

• Stand Tall: Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Good posture helps maintain balance and makes dancing look better.

• Keep Your Core Engaged: A strong core gives you stability and control in your movements.

 

3. Be Open to All Dancers

• Anyone Can Ask Anyone to Dance: Don’t hesitate to ask someone to dance, regardless of their skill level or experience. Whether you’re experienced or just learning, dancing with different partners helps you improve and build confidence as well as encouraging an inclusive environment.

• It’s OK to Refuse a Dance and be Gracious if Turned Down: If you’re not comfortable dancing, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely decline. If someone declines your invitation, don’t take it personally. Just smile and enjoy the event.

 

4. Be Ready to Lead or Follow

• Adjust to Your Partner: As a leader, make sure your guidance is clear but gentle. As a follower, stay responsive and adaptable to your partner's lead.

• Sometimes Both Can Lead: In many dances, especially those with improvisation, both partners can take turns leading certain moves or sections of the dance. Be open to sharing control and adapting to each other’s cues.

• Be Patient: Learning new moves and styles takes time. Support your partner in the dance and don't rush the process.

• Use Gender Free Language: Avoid using gendered language or attempting to dictate a person’s position (leader/follower).

 

5. Mind Your Feet

• Watch Your Footwork: Make sure your steps are clean and purposeful, but don’t overthink every movement. Let the rhythm guide you.

• Foot Safety: Be careful of other people's feet, especially when dancing closely in crowded spaces. Step with precision.

 

6. Use the Music as Your Guide

• Stay in Rhythm: Follow the beat of the music and let the rhythm drive your movements. The music is your guide, and timing is everything.

• Dance to the Style of the Music: Adjust your movements to match the music's tempo, whether it’s fast or slow. Different styles of music might require different dance techniques.

 

7. Don’t Forget to Smile

• Engage with other dancers: Whether you're dancing solo, in groups or with a partner, a genuine smile adds to the enjoyment of the dance and creates a positive energy on the floor.

• Enjoy Yourself: Let loose and have fun. When you enjoy the moment, your dancing will naturally improve.

 

8. Learn the Basics

• Master Basic Steps: Whether you’re doing folk dance, ballroom, or contemporary, learning the basic steps first will provide you with a solid foundation.

• Know Your Turns and Transitions: Transitions between moves and turns should feel smooth. Practicing these small details will make your dancing look more polished.

 

9. Dancing Etiquette

• Be Considerate of Others: Avoid cutting in front of other dancers, and remember that not everyone has the same level of experience.

• Maintain Eye Contact: It helps in connecting with your partner and allows for better non-verbal communication.

• Respect the Dance Floor: If you're not dancing, try not to block others who are. Be aware of the space you occupy, especially on busy floors.

• In Line or Chain Dances, Join on the Right: When participating in line or chain dances, always join on the right side of the line. This ensures that the flow remains smooth and organized.

• Move to the Centre if Dancing Slowly: In couple dances, we typically move around the dance floor in the direction of the dance, which is usually counterclockwise. For styles like the waltz and polka, the movement is often fast and continuous. However, it’s also possible to stay in the centre of the floor and dance on the spot without disrupting the flow of dancers around you.

 

10. Be Open to Feedback

• Don’t Offer Unsolicited Advice: If you’re a more experienced dancer, resist the urge to offer advice unless it’s asked for. Unsolicited advice can sometimes feel patronizing or overwhelming.

• Ask for Guidance: If you want to improve, ask for feedback from more experienced dancers. Take it in your stride and use it as a tool for growth.

• Practise Often: Like any skill, the more you practise, the better you’ll become. Dedicate time to improving both your technique and confidence.

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11. Dress Comfortably & Be Aware of Good Hygiene

• Wear Proper Shoes: Comfortable and flexible footwear is essential. Avoid heels or shoes that can cause you to slip or make it hard to move.

• Dress for Movement: Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and are appropriate for the style of dance you're doing.

• Be Thoughtful about Your Hygiene: Keep in mind that sometimes it’s difficult for others to mention things like body odour or too-strong scents, so it’s up to each of us to stay mindful and considerate. We’d suggest washing your hands before (and after!) dancing (especially if you are going to eat).

 

12. Stay Safe

• Stay Hydrated: Dancing can be physically demanding. Drink water before, during, and after to keep your energy up.

• Warm Up and Cool Down: Warming up prevents injury, and cooling down helps your muscles recover.

• Listen to Your Body: If you're feeling tired or sore, take a break. It's important not to push your body beyond its limits.

• Ignore Any Suggestions That Might Cause You Pain: If you receive advice or suggestions that could potentially cause you discomfort or pain, feel free to ignore them. Always prioritize your body’s well-being and limits.

• Be Aware of Injuries: Be mindful of potential injuries and handle others with care. Even if someone is dancing energetically, they might have injuries or health conditions which are not visible.

 

13. Respect the Dance Community

• Build Connections: Dance is about more than just moves—it’s about community. Be kind and supportive of fellow dancers.

• Adhere to the Code of Conduct: Whether at an event or a casual dance gathering, make sure to follow the community's guidelines and etiquette. This ensures everyone has an enjoyable time and feels welcome.​

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See our Waite Collective Events page for information on our upcoming events.

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