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Shag etiquette is an
important element of dance. We know people don't care for policies,
but these are designed to keep it fun for all, not just a few.
1. Asking a partner. It is equally permissible for a woman to ask a
man as it is for a man to ask a woman to dance. Take your partner's
hand onto the dance floor and at the end of the dance thank your
partner.
2. If you don't want to dance, say "No thank you." Don't
dance with someone else if you just turned down a request to dance.
Please, if someone says "no thanks" do not be persistent,
take them at their word.
3. It is not polite to correct your partner on the dance floor.
Remember this is a social club (have fun).
4. It is not polite to offer instruction to someone in a social
dance setting (or in a dance class if you are not the instructor).
Let's face it, you may be the one doing the step wrong. Unless they
ask for help or are hurting you, don't teach. If your partner
requests help, kindly take them off to the side away from the other
social dancers.
5. Ewww, whats that odor. If you perspire a lot, pace your dancing
or bring a change of shirt or blouse.
6. DANCERS BUMP INTO THE NICEST PEOPLE and it isn't even a contact
sport. Be aware of the dancers around you! If you bump into someone,
kick someone or step on someone's foot, or if they bump into you,
apologize whether it was your fault or theirs. Show concern that no
serious injury has occurred. It's a fairly accepted practice that
when a collision occurs, apologize, EVEN if it wasn't your fault..
Leaders, protect your partner, since you are directing her
movements, you need to be sure to protect her safety.
7. DANCERS USE SELECTIVE FLOOR PLACEMENT - Find your Spot and keep
your Slot! The first person on the floor usually has the right to
set the slot of the dance. Dance Small! If you require 1/2 of the
floor in order to do your thing, you need to change your thing!
Nobody likes to be pushed around the floor. Also save the arm
waving, clapping and hand dancing for Flag Day as they may end up in
another person's face. Sorry, but unless you're on a stage, you're
not the only one on the floor.
8. Please step off the dance floor if you're not dancing. If you are
drinking a beverage of any kind or smoking, keep off the dance floor
because of damage to the floor.
9. Leaders: if dancing with a less experienced partner, keep the
steps simple at first and build to the level that your partner can
handle. Leading should be defined as "the art of making your
partner comfortable." Work as a team, don't showboat.
10. Leaders, if you must count and give verbal leads, keep it low
enough that just you and your partner can hear. It can confuse those
around you and besides, just because you can count doesn't mean
"you are on the beat."
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