FLOORCRAFT AND ETIQUETTE FOR BEGINNERS
As a beginner, when you step onto the dance floor it can be pretty daunting. All the more experienced dancers flowing around, not sure how and when to join the flow, worried you might forget your routine – WOW! I thought this was supposed to be fun! Here are some tips to hopefully smooth your way onto the dance floor.
As a beginner, when you step onto the dance floor it can be pretty daunting. All the more experienced dancers flowing around, not sure how and when to join the flow, worried you might forget your routine – WOW! I thought this was supposed to be fun! Here are some tips to hopefully smooth your way onto the dance floor.
Dance Floor
Whatever the shape of the dance floor, imagine it as a rectangle. For the beginner the direction you dance ballroom is anti-clockwise – think of it as the “lead” dancing to their left and the “follower” to their right. Progress around the dance floor following the outside – this is known as the “line of dance”. Even if the more experienced dancers cross the middle of the floor, avoid this at all costs – collisions can occur.
Zig Zag
In your early learning to ballroom dance you will have encountered the concept of Zig Zagging around the dance floor.
Most beginners, when joining a dance floor will invariably go to the part of the floor which is similar to where they learnt their steps – it gives certainty. In ballroom join the floor with the lead facing diagonal to wall (see Dance Floor diagram).
· Lead travels to their left, follower to their right
· Lead needs to have their back towards the centre
· Lead starts diagonal to wall
· Move around the floor going up the zig and down the zag
· When moving from one line of dance to another (using basic steps) come down
the zag and turn to the new line of dance going up the Zig.
General Dancing Etiquette
· If the floor is crowded, take small steps, enjoy the company but avoid collisions.
· If you forget your steps, keep moving and regain your routine as you progress.
· Never just stop on the dance floor – if necessary step off the floor and return when appropriate.
· Never walk through a line of dancers to cross the floor.
Whatever the shape of the dance floor, imagine it as a rectangle. For the beginner the direction you dance ballroom is anti-clockwise – think of it as the “lead” dancing to their left and the “follower” to their right. Progress around the dance floor following the outside – this is known as the “line of dance”. Even if the more experienced dancers cross the middle of the floor, avoid this at all costs – collisions can occur.
Zig Zag
In your early learning to ballroom dance you will have encountered the concept of Zig Zagging around the dance floor.
Most beginners, when joining a dance floor will invariably go to the part of the floor which is similar to where they learnt their steps – it gives certainty. In ballroom join the floor with the lead facing diagonal to wall (see Dance Floor diagram).
· Lead travels to their left, follower to their right
· Lead needs to have their back towards the centre
· Lead starts diagonal to wall
· Move around the floor going up the zig and down the zag
· When moving from one line of dance to another (using basic steps) come down
the zag and turn to the new line of dance going up the Zig.
General Dancing Etiquette
· If the floor is crowded, take small steps, enjoy the company but avoid collisions.
· If you forget your steps, keep moving and regain your routine as you progress.
· Never just stop on the dance floor – if necessary step off the floor and return when appropriate.
· Never walk through a line of dancers to cross the floor.