S
ocial dancing is exactly that, social. A dance is like chatting at a party, after which one moves on to the next conversation. Each of these conversations may be funny, professional, polished, or provocative. They are all brief conversations enjoyable for the moment, but do not signify any long-term interaction. This viewpoint also applies to social dancing: each dance is a brief, enjoyable, social encounter. Yet newcomers to dancing may have a hard time understanding this. Sometimes they might assume an invitation to dance indicates a personal interest, especially when the dance itself might look passionate or provocative. A social dance is a safe place where one can play a “role” in the dance and have a degree of uninhibited fun. The common understanding in the dance community makes this level of fun possible; it has been agreed that we come together, enjoy our dancing, and that our dancing activities have no implications beyond the dance floor itself. To read more into what happens on the dance floor would be a mistake. While romances do develop in the dancing community, be careful about making those assumptions. You will save yourself from an awkward moment. The dance community can also be like family. That is why maintaining friendships and positive encounters are important. As long as you go dancing in the same area, you will run into the same people over and over again, and an awkward situation may remain awkward. There are a few situations where dancers “get into trouble.” One of these situations involves not knowing dance etiquette. When you see someone who is, in your opinion, in violation of dance etiquette, it may be tempting to give the offender a piece of your mind or even to politely point out the mistake. Don’t give in to that temptation! You are likely to generate resentment without accomplishing anything. Although an exception might be the case of a close friend, whom you feel obliged to help out. In any case, conversations should take place tactfully and in private. Sometimes in social dancing there are cliques, or groups that only dance among themselves. But if you are part of a group, try to be more welcoming to others. One way to increase your circle of dance friends is to ask beginners to dance.
Dancing with beginners is an excellent way to develop your lead/follow, and beginner dancers don’t remain beginners for long. If someone is a more practiced dancer than you, then ask them in moderation. How do you get dancers, especially better dancers, to dance with you? Be a considerate, fun-loving partner, and keep improving your own dancing. Your happiness in social dancing depends more on you than anyone else. If you are determined to have a good time, and have a good attitude, you have a good chance of enjoying your dance experience. If you are not asked for dances, or are turned down, don’t let it bother you. If a particular dance does not go well, if you misstep, let it pass. Be nice to others, continue to improve your dancing, and you will eventually have a more enjoyable dancing experience. The key to enjoyment in dancing is being aware of your goal -- to enjoy dancing. If you like a song and want to dance, and if you see someone you want to dance with, don’t hesitate to go and ask him or her. All it takes is little effort from you. Only you can make you happy and dancing can help. See you on the dance floor!
S
ocially Yours
AVOID
MAKING
ASSUMPTIONS GETTING THE MOST OUT OF
SOCIAL DANCING by Jean Krupa, Social VP
March-April 2014
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