Dance Etiquette
Dance to the level of your partner
It’s not polite to dance over the level of your partner, nor is it polite to “dumb down” your dancing. Dance your dance but take into account the level of your partner and adjust accordingly. A leader should always start out a dance with an unfamiliar partner with basic moves until she/he demonstrates an ability beyond a beginner dancer. Verbal cues are great with an unfamiliar dance partner. Every partner is different and hence every dance should be different.
Practice common courtesy
Look at your partner while dancing, but don't stare or try to make continuous eye contact. Smile and be pleasant; expressionless people are not fun to dance with. Introduce yourself to your partner at the beginning of the dance; thank them at the end. A smile and sincere apology is in order if you collide or interfere with someone on the dance floor, regardless of who is at fault.
​
A request should be accepted
In most circumstances, it’s good etiquette to accept a dance request. If you turn someone down, please wait until the next song to dance with another partner. If possible seek out the partner you previously turned down for a dance later in the night.
​
No monopolizing your partner
We all have favorite partners for various reasons but it’s not good etiquette to keep one person to yourself for the evening. Try dancing with many different partners each night.
​
No teaching on the dance floor
Unsolicited advice on the dance floor is never a good idea. There are too many opportunities to hurt your partner’s feelings with even the smallest piece of advice. Even if asked, simply say something positive. NOTE: the exception to this is a type of social dance called a practica, where you can invite advice from your partner or give it when asked.
​
In West Coast Swing, your slot should align with everyone else in the room
At west coast swing dances, everyone’s slot should be oriented in the same direction. Before you step out on the floor with your partner, figure out which way the slots are going and pick your location so that you have enough room to dance your slot in the same direction. There are moves that may take you out of your slot temporarily; always check to make sure you won’t run into adjacent dancers before you try to lead such moves. If the music is such that some dancers are doing a progressive dance (travelling around the outside of the dance floor), please be considerate and leave room for them.