Salsa dance etiquette
When dancing salsa (or other types of partner-dance) there are some dance etiquette guidelines that any dancer should be aware of, both for the lessons and the social dance. They help to create a positive and friendly dance environment and allow everyone to enjoy themselves and have a good and safe dance experience.
Smell fresh
Shower and deodorant are your best friends when dancing! It’s OK to sweat (everyone does if you have a few dances in a row) but another thing is body odor. Remember you are dancing with someone else, make sure it’s comfortable.
Pay attention during the lesson
Please be considerate and keep conversations quiet during the classes so as not to disturb the instructor teaching or your fellow students. It slows down the pace of the class and there is nothing more frustrating as an instructor than trying to be heard over social conversations.
Ask nicely
In social dancing, rather than dragging people to the dance floor, use real words. It’s not right to expect people to dance with you.
Be kind if you say “No”
In general, you should try and dance with anybody who asks you, but if you are tired or don’t feel like dancing one song, it’s OK to politely decline. Make sure you are kind with the person asking you, it takes courage to ask! Make an effort to dance with that person later.
Quality over quantity
Don’t try to pack your dance with every cool move you’ve recently learned. Quality over quantity, always!
Start easy and let it flow
As a leader, make sure you start easy if you don’t know the other person, don’t try to impress them with advance moves straightaway, maybe they are beginners. Remember the dance is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for you and your partner, not a stressful one! Start easy and let it flow.
Do not monopolise the dance floor
If you’re on a packed dance floor, keep your steps small and your styling compact. Both partners need to be aware of the space around them. Heels and hair are dangerous weapons! Save your big moves for when you have the space to do them without hurting anyone.
Do not teach on the dance floor
There is nothing more irritating than someone trying to teach or correct you. There is a time and place for everything, the dance floor is to have fun.
Do not promote events on the dance floor
Keep the dance floor free from event promotions this may be considered disrespectful to the event organiser. Focus on dancing and enjoying the music.
Do not record someone without permission
Respect everyone’s privacy by not recording or taking photos of other dancers without their permission. Let’s create a space where everyone feels comfortable and free to express themselves!
Feel the music
Listen to the music, the song is not some “noise” in the background while you do your “thing”. Feel what the music is telling you and find a way to show that in your dance, with your partner. It’s a 3 way conversation between you, your partner and the music.
Go easy on yourself
You will make mistakes, you may get rejected… It’s all part of the journey! Try not to take yourself too seriously, and remember, you probably made someone’s evening without realising it!
Judge less
As you progress it is easy to fall into the trap of criticising and judging others. Do your best to avoid this, stay humble and focus on developing yourself.