Dance Etiquette and Floor Craft
Welcome to the dance floor! We strive to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the art of dance. Here are some tips and guidelines to help ensure a positive experience for all.
1. Ask Politely: When inviting someone to dance, do so with a polite question, and remember: "no" is an acceptable answer. Everyone should feel free to participate at their comfort level.
2. Share the Floor: Be mindful of other dancers around you. Keep your movements within your space and avoid collisions by observing floor patterns. Know that aerial moves are never acceptable on the social dance floor.
3. Hygiene Matters: Swing dancing can be physically demanding, so it's important to maintain good personal hygiene. Fresh clothes, minty breath, and clean hands go a long way in making dances pleasant for everyone.
4. Respect Others: Treat everyone with courtesy and kindness. Whether you're leading or following, clear communication and mutual respect are key to making the dance enjoyable.
5. Stay Positive: Mistakes happen! Approach every dance with patience and a sense of humor—learning is part of the fun.
6. Keep Safety in Mind: If the floor gets crowded, adjust your moves to ensure safety for yourself and those around you. Dancing should be joyful, not dangerous.
1. Ask Politely: When inviting someone to dance, do so with a polite question, and remember: "no" is an acceptable answer. Everyone should feel free to participate at their comfort level.
2. Share the Floor: Be mindful of other dancers around you. Keep your movements within your space and avoid collisions by observing floor patterns. Know that aerial moves are never acceptable on the social dance floor.
3. Hygiene Matters: Swing dancing can be physically demanding, so it's important to maintain good personal hygiene. Fresh clothes, minty breath, and clean hands go a long way in making dances pleasant for everyone.
4. Respect Others: Treat everyone with courtesy and kindness. Whether you're leading or following, clear communication and mutual respect are key to making the dance enjoyable.
5. Stay Positive: Mistakes happen! Approach every dance with patience and a sense of humor—learning is part of the fun.
6. Keep Safety in Mind: If the floor gets crowded, adjust your moves to ensure safety for yourself and those around you. Dancing should be joyful, not dangerous.
Tips For Your First Class
Your first swing dance class or social event is an exciting new adventure! With these simple tips, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the experience.
Dress to Move
Capture the essence of the jazz era with stylish yet practical attire! Opt for light, loose-fitting clothing that allows for unrestricted movement and breathability—perfect for dancing the night away while showcasing your new moves.
Choose Shoes for the Floor
It's wise for beginners to start with low-heeled or flat shoes. Avoid footwear with grippy soles or overly-cushy bottoms as these can limit your ability to glide, pivot, and feel the floor beneath you. Leather-bottomed shoes are ideal for smooth spins and slides.
Embrace the Spirit of Social Dancing
Swing dancing has always been about connection and community, so be prepared to rotate partners during class and on the social floor. Dancing with different partners not only enhances your skills, but also celebrates the camaraderie and inclusivity that make swing dancing so special. With that said, iIf you'd prefer to stay with a specific partner, we do understand - please just alert your instructors before class.
Dress to Move
Capture the essence of the jazz era with stylish yet practical attire! Opt for light, loose-fitting clothing that allows for unrestricted movement and breathability—perfect for dancing the night away while showcasing your new moves.
Choose Shoes for the Floor
It's wise for beginners to start with low-heeled or flat shoes. Avoid footwear with grippy soles or overly-cushy bottoms as these can limit your ability to glide, pivot, and feel the floor beneath you. Leather-bottomed shoes are ideal for smooth spins and slides.
Embrace the Spirit of Social Dancing
Swing dancing has always been about connection and community, so be prepared to rotate partners during class and on the social floor. Dancing with different partners not only enhances your skills, but also celebrates the camaraderie and inclusivity that make swing dancing so special. With that said, iIf you'd prefer to stay with a specific partner, we do understand - please just alert your instructors before class.
Recommended Practice Songs
We love these tracks for their tempo and swing vibe. Great for sharpening your skills and enjoying the groove! (Links open in YouTube.)
- Lavender Coffin - Lionel Hampton
- Swingin' On Nothin' - Tommy Dorsey
- Between a Kiss and a Sigh - Artie Shaw
- Coleslaw - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
- I Beeped - Cab Calloway
- On Revival Day - Lavern Baker
- A Vipers Moan - Willie Bryant & Orchestra
- Jump Session - Slim and Slam
- All That Meat And No Potatoes - Fats Waller
- My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone