Ballroom Dance Tips for Social Dancers
Whether you are a beginner ballroom dancer or you have been ballroom dancing here in Arizona for years, there is common etiquette that applies to dancers on any social dance floors. In Phoenix, the rules are no different than anywhere else, however, it is common to see dancers of any level that lack courtesy or simply don’t know what to do when they get out on the dance floor. Here are 3 basic rules to live by when ballroom dancing in AZ or elsewhere. With these tips, you will not only have more fun on the dance floor, but your partner will too!
1. Be mindful of the line of dance. The “line of dance” is a term to describe the counter-clockwise direction that everyone should be moving in on the dance floor. When following the line of dance, those on the dance floor help to keep the “flow of traffic” cohesive and minimize “accidents” or accidental bumping. The line of dance applies to ballroom dances that travel including the Foxtrot and Waltz. With dances that move, it is imperative that it is not a free-for-all on the dance floor so that everyone feels safe and comfortable letting go and enjoying the dance.
2. Take small steps. Ballroom dancers who may be used to competing may find it challenging to take smaller steps on a social ballroom dance floor. Keep in mind that social dancers often are limited in space as most dance floors at a wedding or a party are not more than 12 by 12 square feet. Although big strides add grace and elegance to ballroom dancing, small steps will keep you on the dance floor and out of everyone’s way. One way that we teach newer ballroom dancers in our private ballroom dance lessons is by confining them to a small space and literally blocking a large portion of the floor. This technique helps to prepare a beginner ballroom dancer for a realistic experience social dancing.
3. Not all “ballroom” dances travel. Included in the category of ballroom dancing is also Latin and Swing dancing. These two very different styles do not travel and are therefore referred to as “spot” dances. One common mistake that beginner Swing or Latin dancers make is that they too tend to not be aware of the limited space that they are dancing within. Keeping your feet underneath your own body is the best solution for avoiding stepping on others and any other potential calamities on the social dance floor.
Social ballroom dancing is a wonderful way to stay in shape, connect with a loved one and do something new and different. It is a hobby that can be used anywhere from your kitchen floor to a club, a cruise or a wedding. No one, however, is born knowing how to ballroom dance. That is where we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona come in. We offer great options for you to become a confident ballroom dancer for your next event or just for the fun of it. You can begin with a partner or dance directly with an instructor in our private lesson Introductory Offer. For just $25, try out a 40 minute-long ballroom dance lesson and see if dancing is for you. Private ballroom dance lessons in the Phoenix East Valley are available at other places, but at Dance FX Studios, you will learn to dance on a small, crowded dance floor with ease! Learn these useful dance tips and so much more and get out there and enjoy yourself on any dance floor before you know it!
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