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Folk dance etiquette

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Folk dance etiquette

Here are some useful suggestions that help make dancing more enjoyable for everyone.

• Join a line dance at the end of the line farthest from the leader.
• Join a contra line or longways set at the end farthest from the music.
• If you don’t know a line or circle dance that is being done without teaching, try it behind the line or outside the circle first to see if you can pick it up without getting in the way.
• Remember, “The smaller the step, the smaller the mistake,” as Marianne Taylor always said.
• Friendly smiles and eye contact add to the community spirit that helps make folk dancing so much fun.
• Be proactive about getting partners. Anyone may ask another person to do a partner dance.
• When handholds are part of a dance, keep firm but relaxed contact with your neighbor or partner-- don’t squeeze! For shoulder holds, don’t grip your neighbor’s upper arm.
• Express any comments about the teaching or live music in a constructive manner. Feedback is most effective when respectfully given after a dance has been done.
• If you are sitting out during dancing or teaching, please be quiet so that the music or the teacher can be heard by those participating.
• To protect our wooden dance floors, please change from street shoes to clean, soft-soled shoes before dancing.
• For the comfort and well-being of all our dancers, especially those with asthma or allergies, please do not wear perfume or fragranced personal products at our dances.
• All FAC dances are nonsmoking events. Please do not smoke anywhere in the buildings or anywhere near the entrances to the buildings.
• Some of our dance halls are located in residential neighborhoods. To avoid disturbing our neighbors, please do not talk loudly outside the building after leaving the dance.