Tips for Social Dancing

There are so many tips for social dancing! I had to learn the ins and outs of social dancing through trial and error. Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I will share some tips for social dancing that I have learned over the years.

Followers – Ask Leaders to Dance

It breaks my heart when I see followers come to a social and be ignored. Sometimes I see them hang out for a while and then leave, never getting a dance in. Don’t wait around. Ask a leader to dance. As a leader, I always think it’s a massive compliment when someone asks me to dance. Who doesn’t want to feel wanted? I can’t remember a time I have said no. Maybe if I was already changing my shoes to leave. But honestly, even then I have often said yes.

Leaders –  Walk Your Followers off the Dance Floor

I believe as leaders, we are responsible for taking care of our followers. A simple way you can do this is by walking your follower off the dance floor at the end of the song. You don’t want the song to end and then just smile and walk away. The follower is then left stranded in the middle of the dance floor. That’s not kind. Take an extra few seconds to walk them off and all your followers will be impressed and your reputation will skyrocket. You will be known as the leader who takes care of his/her followers.

Hygiene is Important for Everyone

Everyone sweats when dancing. It’s normal. So bring an extra shirt to change into, bring some deodorant. Take gum or mints. Please don’t overuse cologne or perfume either. Nothing worse than smelling like a combination of all your dance partner’s colognes and body sprays all night.

Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

There is nothing wrong with having a drink or two. But you need to watch how much you drink. I used to believe that I danced better when drinking. This was definitely not true. In both Salsa and Bachata or any kind of partner dance, you need and want to be coordinated. I have danced with partners who drank too much and it was always difficult to lead them. I’m sure when I had one too many, my leading also wasn’t great. Liquid courage will only take you so far. Just go out social dancing more and realize that one dance should not make or break your confidence.

Many of these tips for social dancing may seem like common sense. Truthfully, they are but you would be amazed at how often people forget the social niceties. Be nice, be respectful, be kind and you will find a place for yourself on the dance floor.

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