1.      Hygiene

Watch your odour;  use deodorants while dancing a lot.

Carry a towel to wipe off excess perspiration.

Watch what you eat before the dance, as Garlic may taste good but does not smell so good when you dance with some one close.

Carry spare shirts on hot nights so you can change when sweating too much.


2.     Approach

Try not to turn someone down, but if you have to, thank him/her, and ask if you can have a dance later.  If you never want to dance with him/her say as politely as possible no thank you.  (For men the only excuse is, you are dead, or you are in trouble with your wife, girlfriend etc.)

Do not book dances ahead unless you are sure you honour them.

If there is someone special you would like to have a dance with, go ask him/her.  Remember they might feel the same about you.  Females can ask a male in this day and age.

Never interrupt someone talking when asking that person for a dance.


3.     Dancing

When leading, remember that your partner may not be a strong as you, so lead gently and don't wrestle on the dance floor.

If your style requires to step back and the floor is crowded try to step back on the spot.   You would not like it if someone stepped on you or on your partner, so don't step back on others.

Don't teach on a social night when dancing unless requested by your partner.

Dance with your partner, not against or by yourself, in couple dancing the aim is to make your partner look good for you, and you to impress your partner.

Never try Jumps on a crowded dance floor, or with someone new you have not danced with before.

When dancing keep to your area and respect the other person's dance spot.  There are many ways you can adjust, so keep your partner from rolling in to another person.

Men should watch where they place their hands.  A woman/girl should let the man know if they feel they have been touched incorrectly, she has the right to walk off the dance floor if she feels he is doing this on purpose.

Don't apologise for not leading or following right, enjoy yourself as everyone makes mistakes.

Praise your partner on good moves, and after the dance thank him/her.

Smile and be happy, and have eye contact with your partner as much as possible.



Observe these few simple rules and all your fellow rockers will appreciate you, and you in turn, will have more fun.  If you come across someone not behaving the right way, slip a copy of the dance etiquette on the table where he/she is sitting, or just go up and point out to them, that it is in every one's best interest to be polite and considerate of other fellow rockers.