|
Swing Etiquette
Social dancing is what swing is all about, and just like any
other social situation there's a level of etiquette required
to make sure everyone has a good time, which is the whole
point! In general, if you’re polite and considerate, and pay
attention to your partner and others around you, then you’re
doing fine! Here are a few swing etiquette tips to think about
when you go out social dancing...
When you're not
Dancing
Don't stand on the dance floor, and especially don't stand
there while you sip a drink! If at all possible, stand well
out of the way and encourage others to do the same.
If you notice a hazard on the dance floor
(usually it's a spilled drink), then make sure people don't
dance into it, and if need be, alert the bar staff so they
can clean it up. If you see something dropped on the dance
floor, like a leaflet, just pick it up.
Buy a drink! Since most of the swing gigs
we attend don't have a cover charge, the only way the venue
is making money is through drink sales. If we don't buy drinks,
the venue can't afford to pay the band, and we'll lose a great
gig. Though we know it's hard to drink and dance, and all
we usually want to drink is a long glass of cold water, do
make sure you buy at least one drink a night at every venue,
especially if you are taking advantage of their free water.
Even if it's just a coke or OJ, we must support the venues
that support us!
Asking for or
accepting a dance
Never turn down a dance because you don't know the person,
you're nervous or they don't dance at your level - absolutely
the best way to improve your dancing (whether you're a beginner
or advanced), is to dance with different people, at different
levels and with different styles. Remember, this person has
got up the guts to ask you to dance - so get up the guts and
dance with them! Don't be afraid to ask people, no matter
what level you are, and remember ladies, it's the 21st century
now, so you can ask the guys to dance too! Finally, don't
monopolize one dance partner all night, no matter how much
you like to dance with them!
Though we'd love to dance every song, not all of us have
quite that much energy! If you're too tired to dance,
politely explain this to the person asking (they'll
understand), and perhaps promise to dance with them later
on. If you've declined an invitation from one person, it's
impolite to accept a dance with someone else for that song.
Dancing with your partner
This is a social dance, so engage with your partner! Make eye contact, be aware of how they move, and smile!
Some people like to chat on the dance floor and others
don't. If you're partner clearly doesn't want to talk, just
concentrate on the dance. Besides, isn't dancing just
another form of communication?
Try to dance to the level of your partner and always keep it
fun! Remember leads, your job is to make your partner look
good, and ladies it's your job to be in-tune and follow.
Nobody likes a "dig-me" dancer (that goes for girls and
guys), and leads, you're not going to impress your partner
with fancy moves if you can't lead them and/or she can't
follow them. Sure, challenge your partner, but don't
over-challenge them. Fun first, ok ?
Leads, if your partner doesn't quite pick up a move or
variation the first time, lead it again a little later. This
is a fantastic way for follows to learn, and you'll be very
popular with the ladies.
Here's another way to be popular with the ladies - leads, be
careful of your partner's makeup and hairdo! Some of those
hairdo's took hours to do, and that fire engine red lipstick
will definitely stain your clothes (or hers) if you bump
her. Make sure you leave enough room for her to clear your
arm in underarm turns, etc.
If something goes wrong, just smile and keep dancing! Don't
blame your partner and don't expect an apology, it was
neither of your faults. Remember, there's no such thing as a
wrong move, just a new move!
Don't dip a girl if you don't know her (or her dance level)
very well. Some girls feel very uncomfortable about dips
since it completely throws off their natural balance. Be
considerate, and if in doubt, end with something else.
Here's a big one - never instruct on the
social dance floor, unless specifically asked! We go to classes
to learn, but we go out social dancing just to have fun!
Floor Craft
Leaders, it's your job to keep your lady safe. Be aware of
the environment around you, including the stage, furniture,
bystanders, and of course other couples. Dance appropriately
for how crowded the dance floor is and always be careful
where you lead your partner. The same goes for ladies - try
to be spatially aware, and keep an eye out for any dangers
behind your partner's back. If you do collide with another
couple, be sure to apologise and make sure no damage has
been done.
Sometimes it is difficult to share a
dance floor with people dancing a different style (foxtrot,
rockabilly, Latin, etc.), but remember, they have just as
much right to the dance floor as we do. Just be especially
careful to avoid collisions, be patient, and if it's really
too difficult, move elsewhere on the dance floor. It may
help to know that most travelling dances (like the foxtrot,
whereas swing is a stationary dance), move around the dance
floor in an anti-clockwise direction, and if you are sharing
the dance floor with these dancers, it is safest to stay in
the centre, while the others dance around the outside.
NEVER do aerials on a crowded social
dance floor - it's just plain dangerous, for you and for
everyone around you. The same goes for dips, tricks or kicks
which might be bigger than your average moves. Use common
sense, and save these moves for the jam sessions. While
we're on the topic of aerials, remember that aerials are
dangerous and difficult, and you should never attempt them
unless you've been properly trained and are with a partner
with whom you're very familiar.
Cleanliness
Swing dancing is definitely a contact sport, and you can't
expect anyone to want to dance with you if you don't have a
certain level of cleanliness. Be sure you're clean and
deodorized before you start dancing. Bring your deodorant
along with you, and let yourself cool down (and dry off)
every now and again throughout the night. Breath mints
aren't such a bad idea either.
If you tend to sweat a lot, wear an
undershirt, and always bring a change of shirt (or two or
three!) and a towel. There's nothing worse than Lindy Hop
with someone dripping wet...except maybe Balboa with someone
dripping wet! And we're not just talking about the guys
here, the same goes for ladies.
Clothing
Try to wear appropriate clothing. In general, ladies, tops
that reveal a large amount of midriff aren't particularly
appropriate, and some leads may not feel comfortable leading
you on bare skin. Strapless tops aren't usually a good idea,
and the same goes for guys with tank tops and the like.
Make sure your clothing is comfortable
and you have a full range of movement. Tops that are overly
baggy can be difficult to dance in, and any clothing which
you need to keep adjusting during a dance is not good.
Remove any potentially dangerous
accessories (watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces) which
might catch, tangle or hit someone while you dance. Don't
carry keys in your pocket when you dance!
Dance in appropriate shoes (high heels
are great for rockabilly, but not so good to Lindy Hop in)
with soles that allow you to move without slipping, and
support you sufficiently.
Ladies, be careful of long ponytails -
no one likes to get whipped in the face with flying hair
during spins and turns.
After the
Dance
Though it doesn't really need to be said, when the song is
finished, thank your partner! If it was a wonderful dance,
tell them so. Oh, and if there's a live band, do show you're
appreciation by applauding.
Traditionally, once the song had
finished, the lead would escort his lady back to the place
where he had first asked her to dance. Though this might be
a little formal these days, don't just abandon you're
partner on the dance floor as soon as the song has ended.
With just a little commonsense and consideration,
everyone can enjoy social dancing and get down to what it's
really about - doing the dance we love, making friends and
always having fun!
|
