Here are a few tips to help you master social dance protocol!

Before you dance...
Remember, you are going to be in close proximity to another person, so be conscious of your partner's experience. Try to avoid eating strong smelling foods like garlic for dinner, as the smell might be unpleasant later on. It is a good idea to be wearing deodorant and to brush your teeth before coming. Breath mints and a little perfume or cologne are also a good idea. Some dancers bring an extra shirt in case they sweat through the first one. Many bring a handkerchief or towel to dry their face between dances.

If you want to dance with someone...
Ask them! It is perfectly fine for girls to ask guys to dance. If you're a little shy, try one of these. "Would you like to dance?", "May I have this dance?" "Shall we dance?" or simply, "Shall we?" If you know the person you are asking, it is okay to simply hold out your hand, but when asking someone you don't know it's better to ask verbally.

If someone asks you to dance...
Dance with them! It's generally considered impolite to decline a dance unless you are A. exhausted or B. waiting for a slower song. If you are not wanting to dance, you are less likely to be asked if you are seated, so find a seat in the lobby or at the edge of the dance floor.

If someone asks you to dance and you want to say no...
Go ahead and say no. But be nice about it! Smile and say "No thank you." If you have a reason, give a reason. If you don't want to dance right then, but you do want to dance with the person later, be sure to tell them!

If you ask someone to dance, and they say no...
Don't get discouraged! Try not to take it as a personal rejection. Go ahead and ask someone else. If you want, you can wait several songs and try again later.

While you are dancing...
Try to look at your partner! But don't stare. If you are unsure of where to look, pick someplace like your partner's ear, collarbone or shoulder. Also, unless your partner is hurting you, try not to correct their dancing technique. This is considered very rude, and is only acceptable if you will be injured or your partner specifically asks for advice. If you step on someone, apologize and make sure they are unhurt before you continue dancing. If you bump into someone, apologize even if it isn't your fault. PLEASE DO NOT PERFORM AERIALS, LIFTS OR LOW DIPS. They are a safety hazard and are appropriate in special performance situations only. That goes for experienced dancers as well, other dancers may see you doing aerials and assume that it is something they can do. If you want to practice aerials please go off premises. This does NOT mean go into the parking lot, this means completely off property. We take this very seriously.

When asking for instruction...
Remember that board members and instructors are there to social dance as well. We will be happy to teach you something new, and we want you to get better, but please do not monopolize one person's time. If you would like to learn something new; lead dancers should ask another lead, and a follows should ask another follow. Many experienced follows have no idea how to lead moves, and it can be difficult for them to teach a lead. Many experienced leads are not sure exactly how to follow a move, even if they lead it very well.

After you dance...
Please do not run off as soon as the song ends and leave your partner stranded on the dance floor. This goes for follows as well. Thank your partner for the dance and together move off the floor before finding someone else to dance. Gentlemen, it is especially nice to offer your partner your arm and escort them back to a seat. Also, do not stand and hold a conversation on the dance floor. It interrupts the flow of dancers when they have to avoid obstacles.

What to do in an uncomfortable situation...
We do our best to provide a family-friendly environment that is safe for all ages. In the unlikely event that this is not the case, please come to the front desk or the DJ stand, they will find a board member and the problem will be dealt with immediately. Inappropriate behavior is totally inexcusable, the person/persons responsible will be asked to leave.