Proper Attire

In order to preserve and maintain dance floors and prevent injuries the following recommendations apply.

1. Flooring:
Drinking, smoking, and eating should be conducted in designated areas away from the dance floor. These pose possible injury and hazards to patrons and may cause damage to the dance floors.
$ Do not set your drinks, food, and /or personal items on the dance floor.

2. Shoes
Wear proper shoes appropriate to the type and surface of the dance floor
$ Clean shoes, in good repair, not worn as street wear are suggested. Maintain soles, laces, buckles, straps, and heels to prevent injury to self and others and damage to the floors..
$ Ballroom shoes with Suede or special soles are suggested for wood and wood laminate floors when funds permit. Regular shoes may be resoled with suede for $20.00. Brushes may be purchased for $10.00.
$ Heel height should be gauged to the skill and comfort level of the dancer.
$ Shoes that slip off easily are not recommended.
$ Socks only or bare feet may pose health and safety hazards

3. Clothing
Items having the potential for wrapping around , being caught in or around hair , jewelry, fingers, hands, toes and heels , or becoming a projectile should be avoided.
Examples:
$ Loose hair clips & accessories
$ Belts with wide loops or dangling ornaments
$ Long chains or necklaces with heavy pendants
$ Key rings on belt loops
$ Shoulder purses (there are small purses available that can be worn on the ankle or wrist)
$ Some phone clips
$ Clothing with a lot of loops, ties, and long frayed hems
$ Unsecured hats
$ Clunky or large watches

Manners

Dancers and non-dancers should show each other mutual respect and consideration.

1. Space
Whether dancing solo, in couples, or as a group being aware of your space and your partner’s space are especially important in preventing mishaps.
$ Know your frame and that of your partner(s)
$ Dance close enough to maintain your frame

2. Shines, Styling, Spins, Fancy Turns
$ Maintain control with clean footwork, spins, and turns
$ Practice before executing new steps or upper body moves in a social setting.
$ Don’t attempt new moves in crowded, close spaces; especially, with a partner whose skill of which you are unaware.
$ Followers have a right to politely refuse an unfamiliar lead. If the follower doesn’t get it after 2-3 attempts, give it up Leaders. If possible, practice in a safe area off the dance floor going through the moves step by step.
$ We all may want to “show off” or “ham it up” which is part of the fun of dancing. However, using discretion and being aware of your and your partner’s skill level, space, and the surroundings needs to be taken into consideration.
$ Leaders and Followers don’t get carried away and forget you have a partner.
$ Leaders: Don’t drop dip, spin your partner on a crowded dance floor.
$ Followers: Watch your arms and legs in styling. No one appreciates a flailing maniac.
$ If the dance floor is clear of other dancers and objects enjoy dancing with “flavor”!

3. Wild Dancing
$ If the leader or follower is being too wild and crazy, or out of control, gently remind them it is unsafe.
$ If necessary simply stop dancing.

4. Big Steps and/or feet being too far apart
$ This leads to a greater potential for invading someone else’s space and lack of control.
$ It increases the potential for injury.
$ Try and use small, controlled steps

5. General Suggestions
$ Leaders be aware of where the Follower is supposed to be for the next steps. Is the area clear?
$ Last but not least, there will be circumstances when bumps, etc. occur. Check to see if there is an injury, be courteous, apologize, and offer assistance (using proper first aid techniques) or get help. Then be more careful in the future to lessen the chance of a mishap.
$ Leaders and Followers can ask for a dance. Refusing or turning someone down for a dance is up to the individual’s discretion. Think, be polite and considerate. By all means if it is a safety issue (fear of harm to self and/or others) take care of yourself. Management can be notified when and if absolutely necessary.

So, dancers, go out there and dance to your heart’s content by being alert, polite, and aware of your and your partner’s skill level.