DANCE ETIQUETTE- a set of guidelines that help you navigates the social dimensions of

dancing.

demeanor
/
behavior

no-fault
dancing what
wearto

dance
etiquette

on the
floor personal
grooming

asking
for a
dance
 • what to wear
⮚ Dancing has its own culture. In social dances & dance mixers, the more formal the dance, the
more formal the outfit.

ATTIRE GENTLEMEN LADIES

FORMAL Tailcoat, tuxedo coat, regular Ball gown, evening gown, dinner
coat, bow tie or regular necktie, gown, cocktail gown
black trouser
SEMI-FORMAL Dress shirt & tie, vest or sweater Dinner dresses, flowing pants
that shows the tie
DRESSY CASUAL (practices, dances Solid color t-shirts, turtleneck,Anything that displays a
lessons) polo shirt, cotton slacks conservative, toned-down
appearance
LATIN Button-up shirt, solid t-shirt, Sexy outfits & long slit skirts,
turtleneck, dress slacks, bright low necklines & exposed midriffs
colorful outfits are accepted are popular

● Don’ts in terms of outfits & dance shoes:

⮚ Do not wear sneakers or any shoes with rubber or spongy sole. They can stick to the dance
floor during turns & spins that may cause knee & ankle injuries. Always wear dance shoes.
⮚ Avoid sleeveless shirts & strapped dresses. It’s not pleasant to have your partner touch your
damp skin.
⮚ Avoid shaggy, baggy, low armpit upper shirts. Partner’s hand may get caught in the baggy
sleeves.
⮚ Avoid accessories like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces & big belt buckles.
They can be dangerous. They can get caught in their partner's clothing, causing scratches &
bruises.
⮚ Long hair should be put up or tied in a ponytail. It is difficult to get into closed dance
positions when the lady has long flowing hair. They might get caught in your partner's hands
or may even hit your partner’s face.
• personal grooming
BEFORE THE DANCE DURING THE DANCE
● shower & use a deodorant ● check your grooming periodically

● brush your teeth & use mouthwash/breath mint ● freshen up & towel off periodically in the

● abstain from foods that produce strong odor bathroom

● Carrying an extra shirt is advisable for men
● don’t smoke, it causes foul mouth & clothing
in case they need to change.
odor

• On the dance floor/asking for a dance

⮚ line of direction – counter clockwise

⮚ while on the floor – avoid colliding with other pairs)

⮚ be polite – thank or compliment your partner

⮚ accompany your partner back to her seat

⮚ DON’T DO AERIAL CHOREOGRAPHY YOURSELF

• No-fault dancing
⮚ Never blame a partner for missed execution of figures.

⮚ Dance to the level of your partner

⮚ The show must go on; say “sorry” to your partner if something went wrong.
• Demeanor
⮚ Be personable, smile & make eye contact with partner.

⮚ Project a positive image on the dance floor even if it’s not your personal style.

⮚ Dance at the level of your partner.

⮚ If you don’t know the dance, be honest; refuse promptly if asked to dance.

⮚ No teaching on the dance floor. It may insult you partner.

⮚ Do not cut other dancers off.