Dance Etiquette

Here's some simple Do's an Don'ts for in the ballroom, with thanks to the late Peggy Spencer MBE, taken from her 1997 book "The Joy of Dancing". I had the honor of being in Peggy's Home Counties South team on BBC's Come Dancing one year. Beyond the obvious personal hygiene, Peggy recommends the following...

The Man

• If you are dancing with a new partner, don't try your favorite variations or any complicated steps until you know that your partner is quite happy dancing with you.

• Don't hold the lady too tight, give her room to move and breathe.

• Do study carefully the direction of the dance around the room

• Do listen carefully to the music before beginning the dance, to make sure that you are performing the correct dance.

• Do start to dance by leading carefully, so that if you are going forward on the right foot you lead your lady to go back on her left foot.

• Do escort your lady back to her seat after the dance. Its is most disconcerting to be left in the middle of the floor at the end of the dance.

The Lady

• Don't refuse the offer of a dance without a good excuse. If you do refuse, do so graciously.

• It is courteous to smile and make the man feel that you have enjoyed the dance

• If you are an unescorted female do make sure that you have done some practice of your own before going to a dance.

• Although it is the man's job too lead you, it is also your job to anticipate the next step.

• Don't hold onto the man's right arm too tightly with your left hand.

• Don't wear tight skirts. make sure that you can move your legs freely

• Don't wear brand new shoes.

• Make sure to study the event you wish to attend, so that you can go with confidence and with the right attitude and the right clothes.