Dance Floor Etiquette, Part 3

And last in our series...fancy things.

Aerials
Aerials are not usually appropriate on a social dance floor. Why? The potential for injuring someone else is HUGE.

Aerials can be appropriate in jam circles or on dance floors that are quite empty. If you're not sure, ask! At Jive Junction, you can ask whoever is at the door, or ask the DJ.

NEVER do an aerial with an unsuspecting partner, or with someone you don't know. If you're planning to do an aerial, make sure that your partner is expecting it, knows what you're doing, and knows WHEN you're doing it. Make sure that you both know how to safely EXIT from the move if something goes wrong. Before starting the move, take one last look around to make sure nobody is close enough to be injured - or to be scared.


Dips
You do not have to end a song with a dip. Ending by just stopping dancing is fine, or striking some other pose. If you do want to lead a dip, make sure you know what you are doing! If you're going to do something more complex than just a basic dip, ask her first! Especially if you don't know her well!

Ladies, feel free to refuse to dip. Even if he just starts to dip you without asking, take a small step away and firmly keep your body upright while you say "no thanks."


Erratic dancers
Sometimes, you'll notice that a particular couple is dancing kind of erratically. Maybe they're doing aerials, or a lot of kicking, or they're just not paying attention and are body slamming other people. Leaders, guide your partner AWAY from the area to somewhere safer. DO NOT place yourself so that your partner acts as a shield for you. (Yes, I've seen this.)


And that concludes our thesis on dance floor etiquette. Hope it was helpful!!