A Guide To Dance Club Etiquette
There’s nothing better than dancing the night away and testing some fun new moves, but you need to consider a few simple ‘rules’ before getting out on the social dance floor. With these basics in mind, you’ll have a memorable time for all the right reasons.
Play the part
If you feel nervous, either about dancing in public or inviting others to join you, you’re likely to spend the night on your own, so you might as well have stayed at home. Take a lesson from the latin dance performers and get into character for a little role play. Putting on a brave face can give you the starting confidence to get out there. Then, once you feel the rhythm in your bones, there’ll be no stopping you.
Ask nicely
If you want to dance with someone, actually ask them, rather than performing a ninja-style surprise attack. Don’t suddenly appear behind someone and shimmy up against them or muscle your way into an established group. Instead, position yourself to catch the person’s eye and find out if they want to dance with you first. The music will likely be too loud for conversation, but you should be able to read their reaction to a pleasant smile.
Mind your feet
If you intend to dance all night, wear comfortable shoes. There’s nothing worse than having to sit out your favourite song because of crippled feet. Equally, even if you can dance all night in killer stilettos, make sure you don’t inflict injury by piercing someone else’s foot with them on a busy dance floor.
Watch your space
At Arthur Murray Crows Nest we teach a wide variety of dances in the luxury of a large open studio. When it comes to putting these steps into practice on the dance floor though, you may have to forgo some of the dramatic arm actions in favour of smaller, more subtle moves so that you don’t wipe out half your fellow clubbers.
Know your limits
A little alcohol is a great way to break the ice and give you the courage needed to take the dance floor in the first place. As the music takes over and you lose your inhibitions however, your opinion of your dancing prowess might increase as your ability to control your feet diminishes. Dancing is thirsty work, but always alternate alcohol with water to stay hydrated.
Manners matter
Courtesy at a dance club is important and being polite is important on a crowded dance floor. If you need to pass by someone who is mesmerised by their own moves, don’t push through, but gently touch their shoulder or back and say ‘excuse me’.