Folk Dance Etiquette

New or seasoned, this list of Folk Dance Etiquette is for you!  These few helpful hints are bound to increase the enjoyment for all!

Arriving

• Introduce yourself to and welcome new people to the dance.
• Informal wear is fine. Wear something that is comfortable for dancing.
• Please avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses.
• Avoid accessories such as big rings, brooches that might get caught.
• At parties, folk costumes are appreciated (but not required).
• Bring clean dance shoes without spiky heals (for safety and to protect the wooden floor).
• For turning dances, make sure that your shoes do not have rubber soles (they can hurt your knees).
• We will be in close contact with each other, so please arrive clean and use a deodorant.
• Please do not wear perfume, as some people are allergic to or very sensitive to those chemicals.
• Please avoid foods that produce strong odors, such as garlic and onion, before a dance.

Line and Circle Dancing

• Most of the dances move counter-clockwise around the floor. The leader of a line is therefore usually on the right end. In general, join the line at the end opposite the leader.
• It is OK to withdraw from the line at any time, just make sure that those next to you adjust to your departure.
• When holding hands in a line, do not use your thumbs. The touch should be light.
• When using little-finger holds, make sure that your rings do not get in the way and hurt your partner’s fingers.
• When dancing with shoulder holds, make sure that you carry the weight of your own arms and that you keep your own balance. Be aware and considerate of people of different heights.
• If you do not know the dance, please follow from behind until you know enough to move with the line.
• Never pull or push your partner or neighbor. This might be dangerous, depending on his/her physical condition.
• Please learn the names of the dances and request the ones you like or you think other people like.

Partner Dancing

• Anyone may ask anyone else to dance. Women are particularly encouraged to do this.
• Please do not be offended if you are turned down. There can be many reasons that the person does not want to dance.
• Please let your partner know if you do not know the dance, so that he/she can decide whether to go ahead with it anyway.
• If your intended partner is currently standing or sitting next to someone else and they are conversing, use common sense and courtesy before you break in and ask for a dance.
• If you are available for a dance, try to signal that to potential partners.
• Dance in response to your partner's ability.  Try not to push your partner beyond his/her ability and capability. 
• If you feel your partner is being overzealous, say so! If that does not help, it is OK to stop dancing.
• Make sure to dance with a variety of partners.

Learning, Leading, and Teaching

• Remember that there is only one teacher during class.
• Some tunes have more than one dance and some dances are done to different tunes. Some dances are also done differently in different places. Please trust that the teacher has done the necessary research.
• Try to learn the name of the dance --- that way you can request it later!
• Please keep quiet so that the teacher can be heard by all.
• Do not "correct" the teacher during class. Feel free to share your comments with the teacher later.
• If you already know the dance being taught, now is a great time to relearn it and give first-timer learners more feet to watch.
• Do not be discouraged if you do not learn a dance right away, smile and have fun anyway.
• When you are confident that you can perform a dance (steps, rhythm and style) and be a good model for others, please request it and lead it. You do not have to be perfect, just a good model.
• Please do not ask someone else to teach you on the side. If you need help, please ask a board member if the dance can be formally taught during class. If you want some advice from someone, wait until he/she sits out a dance.
• Please do not teach anyone on the side. Instead, learn the dance well enough to be a good example during the dancing.

Children and Families

• The folk dance community is aging. We want to encourage parents, young people and children to participate. This can only happen if they are welcomed. Some flexibility and thought is required.
• Please do not discipline children that you are not responsible for. Talk to the parents instead. If the parents are unresponsive, take the issue up with the board.
• Treat young people with the same respect you extend to adults: Never laugh at them (laugh with them). Never tickle children, even if they ask for it.
• When children are present, you can expect some noise. Before taking action, see if you can position yourself to minimize the distraction. Alternatively, ask the teacher to speak louder.

Finally:

Folk Dancing is meant to be fun, so please ENJOY!