Dance Floor Etiquette
for Traveling Dances
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~ adapted from Dance Buddies Christmas Dance 2006 Publication
entitled, "Dance Floor Etiquette"~
First of all, what is a "Traveling Dance"? It is
a dance which literally travels in a counter-clockwise circle around the outside
of a dance floor. Examples include Foxtrot, Waltz, Country
Western 2-Step
Non-traveling dances or "stationary dances," although
they do move, do not continually progress in one direction. Instead, these
dances generally stay in the same section of the dance floor in which they
start. Examples include Salsa, Cha-Cha, Rumba, West Coast
Swing, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop
The Basic Rule
Dancers should move around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction
(known as the "Line of Dance"). Dancers should avoid traveling
against the Line of Dance.
"Line of Dance" for the Dance
Floor
(It might help to think about a race
track to remember the direction)
This outside line is called the "Fast Lane" which is
for Progressive Dancing where movement does not stop.
When dancing a 'stop and go' or circle pattern, these moves should be aimed
toward the inside of the circle which is often referred to as the "Slow
Lane."
Slow Lane inside the Dancing Floor
The center is also used for stationary dances such as Swing or Cha-Cha.
In fact, there are many times when the dance floor can be used for two
different dances. For instance, while dancing to a Sinatra favorite,
some might choose to dance a traveling Foxtrot (outside, fast lane)
while others might dance an East Coast Swing or Lindy (center
circle).
This is very common on the Country Western Dance Floor. For example
the outside "fast lane" is used for
Two-Step or Waltz, while the inside circle or "slow lane" for Line Dances
or West Coast Swing.
Special Notes:
Question: When dancing a traveling Foxtrot, where
on the floor can you use a box
step, a twinkle, or any of the other 'stop and go' or circle patterns?
Answer: Those moves should be lead toward the slow lane or inside of the
circle.
It is especially important for standing and talking to be kept
to the outside corners or seating areas, completely out of the line of
dance. Standing on the dance floor (also referred to as "pedestrian
socializing"). It
can be very difficult to navigate. It can cause a domino affect with
multiple collisions on the dance floor - most of the time without those
standing and talking on the dance floor even knowing they were the
cause!
Also, please take caution when entering or exiting the dance
floor. This will help avoid collisions.
Finally, collisions will occur - even the best of dancers
inadvertently find themselves bumping into another couple on the dance
floor. Let's always be courteous, even if you're not at fault race to be
the first to say, "I'm sorry." Most men take the
responsibility (and blame) upon themselves when navigating by other
couples. Ladies, sometimes we can help. As a lady becomes more
experienced, they might try small gestures to warn your lead of potential
impending collisions on the floor.
With all of these things in mind, many dancers and many styles
of dancing can be accomplished on the dance floor at the same
time.
Hope this helps! We're here to answer your
questions!
"Good People, Great Dancing, Excellent
Instruction"
The Dance Family Studio
25 N. Allen (at Colorado)
Pasadena, CA 91106
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(626) 568-3764 (800) 363-0306
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