Etiquette

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 (or two) 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! Follows ask leads to dance, and leads ask follows to dance. It is perfectly acceptable for either dance role (lead/follow) to ask for a dance. We strive to make our dances as inclusive as possible.

If someone asks you to dance...
Dance with them! We encourage everyone to dance with everybody regardless of your/their skill level. Don't be afraid to ask someone that looks like they've been dancing a long time to dance. Remember, it is O.K. to say no. 

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! Don't take it as a personal rejection. Sometimes a person may be tired from the last song, the song is too fast/slow, or their taking a break 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. 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.

When asking for instruction...
Ask your instructors to dance! Most often, instructors will be available for additional help at the start of the social. 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 move off the floor before finding someone else to dance. 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.

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Denton Swing Dance Organization is not responsible for injuries obtained during our dances. 
Please dance at your own risk. We do not supervise minors.
Denton Swing Dance Organization is a proud member of the National Fast Dance Association.
Denton Swing Dance Organization © 2025