Do’s And Don’ts

Do’s

For Men

• Do dance with several partners at a dance and always with your hostess at least once.
• Do practice good sportsmanship by not monopolizing a single partner or the dance floor
• Lead your partner smoothly through the crowd, being careful that hands or elbows do not collide with those of other couples.
• Remember that bad dancing habits are easier to make than break. Even while you are learning, follow along the “line of dance.” When you enter onto a dance floor, stepping out counter-clockwise is the general rule.
• Do escort your partner back to the table. Never leave her in the middle of the dance floor.

For Women

• To be a really good dancer, you must be able to dance without having to think about your steps. Your feet must learn to respond easily to the rhythm of the music; you must be able to follow without apparent effort.
• Remember – confidence is the name of the game. And confidence comes only with knowledge and practice.
• Cultivate lightness. It is vital. Practicing the basic steps in dancing, especially practicing alone, is the trick to learning lightness.
• Keep your feet out of your partner’s way. Develop a long, free back step by swinging from the hip. Once the basic steps become second nature, learn a variety of steps to improve your dance repertoire for more interest and fun.
• Move naturally, easily and comfortably. Don’t be self-conscious or still.

Dont’s

For Men

• Don’t apologize for your poor dancing. Improve it.
• Don’t try intricate steps your partner can’t follow. She may be impressed by your dancing but she will likely prefer a less fancy dancer who doesn’t make her feel uncomfortable.
• Don’t say you hate dancing just because you don’t know how.
• Don’t let old-fashioned dancing date you!
• Don’t be serious. Leave your business face at the office when you step out.

For Women

• Don’t wear large corsages or ornaments in front. You’ll make an impression, but not the right kind.
• If you are tall, don’t try to appear smaller by bending your knees or slouching. This only spoils your posture.
• If you are short, don’t try to appear taller by dancing on your toes. This only shortens your steps and makes it more difficult to follow.
• Don’t dance for the onlookers’ benefit. Concentrate on your partner.