Dance Points of Etiquette

• Be Prepared: Wear comfortable clothing with minimal jewelry that could snag or cause injury, and apply minimal or no fragrances, as some dancers may have sensitivities. 

·        Square dancing is all about having FUN !!

·        To keep the FUN in square dancing, we must all consider a few guidelines. Some call them "do's and don'ts" or ‘manners’. We refer to them as “Etiquette”, or “being considerate of self & others”. After all, square dancing is a group activity!

1. Be on time:

·        If dance starts at 7:00pm, then be ‘on time’ so all can get dancing.

·        Plan on staying for the full evening - pace yourself if necessary.

·        On regular club night, as a courtesy to your Caller, let him know in advance, if you’re planning to leave early!

2. Form Squares Quickly

·        Quickly get on the floor and start forming squares.

·        Join the FIRST SQUARE you come to. It’s considered rude & unfriendly to pass by a forming square.

·        Conversely, if you’ve got a ‘open’ space in your square & you’re waiting for a particular couple to arrive but someone else jumps in, under NO circumstances do you ever tell them ‘sorry that space is taken’!

·        If your square is not full, raise your hand with as many fingers extended as couples that are needed to complete the square.

·        STAY PUT! - Once in a square, never abandon it unless mutually agreed
upon by the other dancers. (exception is a medical emergency).

3. Be a friendly dancer: 

·        Do not arrange squares more than once in an evening nor re-arrange the square to fit in your friends or favourite dancers. In fact, it is best not to arrange a square at all.

·        Friendliness is part of good manners. Make it a point to dance with as many different dancers as possible each evening. Take a chance and dance with new people … you never know who you’ll meet across the square.

4. Be a courteous dancer

·        Acknowledge everyone in your square. Introduce yourself & your partner to those you don’t know & thank everyone for dancing with you after the tip.

·        Refrain from using those extra twirls and kicks & bumps that can interfere with enjoyment of the other dancers in your square. Please do not put in those ‘extras’ when dancing with any new dancers.

5. Be a good listener:

·        Listen to the caller. - do not talk when the caller is talking or calling

·        Remember there is room for only one teacher at a time. If others need help, bring this to the attention of the Caller.

·        It is also rude to talk while announcements are being made.

6. Be a considerate dancer:

·        There is NO acceptable excuse for the handling of other dancers…period! (ie: DO NOT TOUCH or yell, push, pull or grab!).

·        Pushing or grabbing other dancers to get them into the correct position is totally unacceptable and does nothing to help the other dancer learn!

·        Do NOT be critical of others. Not every square has to be step-for-step perfect to be fun. Remember, the next mistake may be your very own!

·        If more help is needed… talk to your Caller !!

7. Be thankful:

·        Applaud at the end of a tip to thank the Caller; the other dancers in your square; & yourselves for a job well done!

·        At the end of the night, thanking the Caller before leaving is most appreciated.

8. Be considerate of yourself:

·        If you feel you are unable to dance, then sit out and do not be pressured into
dancing if you don’t feel up to it! Just say – no thanks!

·        You can learn a great deal by watching and listening. Also, be considerate if another dancer is watching and listening - don't insist upon talking to them.

9. Be considerate of others:

·        Personal cleanliness is important - always shower or bathe before attending. Body odour is very unpleasant for those around you.

·        When using deodorant, cologne or perfume, please do so in moderation as some people are allergic or sensitive to strong perfumes.

·        Don't forget to use something to sweeten your breath & avoid eating garlic and the like, before attending a dance.

·        Don't come dancing if you have been drinking as square dancing requires
your best mental and physical alertness & coordination.

·        Male dancers please wear long sleeves.

·        Ladies should avoid wearing excessive jewelry (on your hands) It can hurt!

·        REMEMBER, it’s 'hand contact' … ie: NO SQUEEZING please!

·        Always wear your club badge, so everyone knows who you are!

·        Don't dance over your own dance ‘level”. If you've not learned to dance the 'announced' level, then sit out that tip and watch & learn!

Above all, enjoy yourself -- have fun!
Come to the dance expecting to have a good time and you'll have it!!

From a handout created by Geoff Clarke