Line Dance Etiquette

Line dancing involves lots of people. Dancers, from the ripest beginners to the seasoned advanced, stand in lines together, performing steps at the same time. To avoid possible mishaps that often occur when large groups of people squeeze together and move their bodies, a few rules must be followed by all. The following etiquette tips should keep the dance floor running smoothly.

• Dance empty-handed:
  
  Never carry anything onto the dance floor. Drinks, food, chewing gum and cigarettes should never enter the lines. Not only is it unpleasant, it is also quite dangerous. If a drink or food is spilled in the middle of a dance, someone is bound to slip and fall down. Furthermore, hardwood dance floors should always be treated with care to avoid warping or staining. Leave your snacks on the table.



• Go the right way:
  
  It always helps to know which direction you're going! Line dancing is usually done in the middle of the dance floor in an imaginary rectangular space. All dancers move around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction, known commonly as the "line of dance." Sometimes couples will choose to dance around the outside lane...don't stand in their way, as they always have the right of way.
  
  

• Be courteous:
  
  Always be polite to other dancers on the floor. If the dance floor is crowded, take smaller steps to avoid colliding with other dancers. If a collision should occur, be courteous and apologize, no matter who was at fault. Also, keep conversations to a minimum. Other dancers are trying to concentrate and listen to the music. It's quite annoying to hear people talking during a dance. Save the chit-chat for the table.
  
  
• Relax and enjoy yourself:
  
  Line dancing is meant to be fun...don't be intimidated if you are a beginner. Remember that everyone started at the beginning. Practice is key. Look around the dance floor and you will probably see people stumbling, tripping and stepping on toes...but they're probably laughing about it!
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