Swing Dancing
When swing dancing, be aware of the space around you. Try not to take up too much room with your dance moves or by standing in one place for too long. Imagine that the dance floor is a fixed space container, and you and your partner are drops of water. If you are the only two drops of water in the container, you can take up as much space as you’d like from one wall to the other. As more and more drops of water get added (more dancers), the space you can occupy gets smaller to accommodate everyone. Both country swing and line dancing look beautiful if you take large or small steps. So if you have a lot of space, take those long strides and swing your arms wide, but when it gets crowded, shorten your steps and keep your elbows in. If the song you are dancing to is also a line dance, choose one side or the back of the dance floor to swing. Hopefully the line dancers will see you and respect your space in return.
Line Dancing
When line dancing, stay to the center of the dance floor. Most likely, other dancers will want to swing, two-step, or circle dance to some songs that are typically line dances. Also, similar to what I said above, take up as much dance floor as you’d like when you’re alone, but once the floor starts to fill up, take smaller steps, lessen the flair of your arms, and be aware of the rest of the dancers.
Leading
Leads, I hate to break it to you, but you are ultimately responsible for your follow and wherever she may end up. This includes her legs and head during a dip, so make sure you have ample space ahead of any big move. During a spin, your follow will not be able to see her surroundings. Something I love to see from leads is when they put their free hand around her like a protective barrier.
Asking Someone to Dance
When it comes to asking someone to dance, be confident, be positive, but above all, be respectful. Some people may not want to dance with a stranger or may already have plans to dance with someone else. It’s important to respect people’s boundaries and not make them feel uncomfortable. As a lead asking a follow to dance, one option is to hold out your hand (palm up) and simply ask “Would you like to dance?” If she says yes, woohoo, you’re in business! If you are close with this person (or want to be) hold their hand all the way to the dance floor and then twirl them to start the dance once you get there. If you’re a follow asking a lead to dance, don’t be shy! There are plenty of broody cowboys in bar corners waiting on a spitfire of a woman like you to ask them to dance. If one says no, move right along to the next. Once they accept and get ready to go to the dance floor with you, that is when you relinquish control and become their follow. Take their hand if they offer it, or simply follow them to the floor.
Another important aspect of dance floor etiquette is respecting the music and the atmosphere. At most country bars, they want to cater to their regular crowd, which came to hear country music. But these days there are a few line dances to rap and pop songs, so don’t be surprised if you hear some of that. It’s okay to request a song or two from the DJ or bartenders, but don’t be too pushy. They most likely have other requests and other responsibilities.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that everyone has a great time on the dance floor. Slip on your boots, and dance on!
