Modern Jive brings everyone together with the common desire to dance, so everyone can ask anyone to dance, and nobody should refuse without a good reason. Please give your reason, as that person has plucked up courage to ask you!. Please be polite and explain, ie you just need a quick drink, maybe swap a shirt etc. I always ask where they will be & that I’ll try to find them on my return.
See below for more tips on etiquette and safety on the dance floor that will make a better experience for everyone!
When dancing, always be aware of the space around you: Leaders always should be mindful of the space available for dips – a safe space can become unsafe very quickly, so leaders, make this YOUR responsibility, and followers don’t throw yourself back into a dip unless led. Followers you can also assist if the lead is moving backwards into another dancers, it’s a two way conversation. Avoid travelling moves, big sweeping steps and arm movements, lifts and dips on a crowded dance floor. This applies to leaders AND followers. Always be aware of your partner’s personal space – even with a partner you know, close moves are not always appropriate.
Usually this is similar to the room used during a class. Dancing in a circular fashion without consideration to the line of dance can be dangerous on a busy dance floor. Ensure safe balanced spins to avoid spinning out of control into an unsafe space.
When entering and leaving the dance floor, always move to the edge and walk safely along the side, rather than weaving through the crowd. This also applies to getting drinks etc, always walk around the floor.
When dancing with new dancers: Followers don’t be afraid to let your leader know if you don’t like doing dips. Don’t try ‘close’ moves out on strangers! Remember that unless you are a teacher, having done more classes than the person you are dancing with does not qualify you to give them advice on their ability to dance. We find that students giving advice to other students during classes (and sometimes during social dance time too) can often confuse, and sometimes offends. Enjoy your dance for what it is & it’s not a lesson ;) We know your heart is in the right place and you want to help, but please give the less experienced students the opportunity to listen to the instruction coming from the stage, don’t talk over the instruction, it’s not fair to students or teachers. Unless someone is dancing dangerously and/or in a manner that is going to hurt them or you, it’s often best to let people learn by their mistakes – remember Modern Jive should be a fun dance and not a stressful experience, learning should be fun!
Be aware of your personal approach, safety and hygiene: Always politely ask for or refuse (with very good reason) a dance. Refusing one person and then going straight to the dance floor with another is not considered polite.
More so in the summer months, always bring deodorant, a towel, and a change of top (and this applies to the ladies as much as the gents!). Also be aware that the physical contact required for some moves is not quite so pleasant when our bodies are hotter!
We always have deodorant & mints on our main desk, in case you forget yours. Please use the free hand santiser that is available also at all our classes and events.
A toothbrush and mouthwash or breath mints can be a useful addition to your dance bag too! Dancing brings us close to our partners, and often we’re not aware of that smell of cigarettes, coffee or a garlic dish we had for dinner before class….
Coughing and sneezing into our hands and then offering those same hands to our partner is not nice! Uncontrollable coughs/sneezes can sometimes be diverted to our upper arm to avoid the hand contact, however excusing yourself from the dance floor is probably the best thing all-round. If you are suffering from a cold or cough, it is advisable to stay away from partner dancing until you’ve recovered.
Avoid wearing sharp and protruding rings that could cause cuts or bruises to your partner and bracelets, watches and necklaces that could get tangled with you and/or your partner in case it causes injury.
Wear suitable shoes (preferably suede or leather soled dance shoes) that will support your foot, stay on, and provide the correct amount of grip and slide on the floor to keep you and your partner safe.
If you feel uncomfortable dancing with someone at any of our classes or events for any reason, you should try and approach them with reasons why. If you’re not at ease doing this, or if you feel that the person may also make other people uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to talk to your teacher or our door staff on the night or ask to speak to us (Keith or Janey) confidentially, or email keith@revolutiondance.co.uk
Thank you for taking time to read this, we hope it helps everyone enjoy our nights even more…
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