Country Western Dance Floor Etiquette
RULES OF THE ROAD
Country Western Dance floor etiquette is a topic that can't be stressed enough and I know isn't practiced enough. So I would like to describe a few of "The Rules of the Road" while one is on a country werstern dance floor. Now this page is not all inclusive and is general in nature but should give you the basic idea of Country/Western Dance Floor Etiquette. As you read through them try to remember it all boils down to just being friendly, polite, and respectful to other dancers and using a little common courtesy.
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Contents:
Rules Around The Road
Rules About The Road
Rules On The Road
Road Back Home
RULES AROUND THE ROAD
This section has rules that should be followed while your in a honky-tonk and not on the floor yet.
Lets not forget that while were out having fun there are people who are working hard to make the time more enjoyable. Yes, I'm talking about the bar tenders and waitresses. These people work hard to keep the refreshments coming and most rely on tips for the major part of their pay. So show them how much you appreciate it and TIP them (even if your drinking water).
If you are drinking don't over indulge yourself. Having a good time is one thing but a drunk on the floor is a pain in the ###.
If you are going to new place (not your usual honky-tonk) don't tell the regulars that they are doing a dance "WRONG" or to the "WRONG SONG". This rule mostly applies to line dances because they are very geographical and they may do it "DIFFERENT" (which is O.K.). If you decide to do the dance, try to adapt to their way and have fun with it, you might like it better.
Guy's if you want to dance with someone elses date/partner, ask the cowboy if he would mind if you dance with her before you ask her to dance. This not only takes the pressure of her (wondering if her date/partner would mind) but also could save you some teeth.
Another little safety tip, NEVER take a cowboys hat!!! You can step on his boots, spill his beer, sometimes even dance with his girl but don't touch his hat without asking. Ladies, remember asking to wear a cowboys hat is flirting on a colossal scale.
There only 3 kinds of people at a honky-tonk/Dance Saloon: 1) The ones that can and do (lead). 2) The ones want to and get out there and learn/try (follow). 3) The ones that want to and don't have the nerve to (get out of the way). So, if your just starting out in this craze, don't just stand there, get out there and go for it. Your nerves will settle down and the butterflies will go away, but you have to get on the floor first. Remember no one started out as a great C/W dancer and we've all felt the same at some point.
This one is for the ladies that can't get a partner to dance with. Girls, my advice is don't be too picky. If a cowboy asks you to dance, then dance with him. The chance's of getting asked to dance increase proportionally with the number of cowboys that see you know how (and want to).
When a song/dance is over leave the dance floor. Don't hang out on the floor socializing. Even standing on the floor against the rail is not safe. This is the fast progressive dance lane. Think about it. Would you lean against the inside rail of a horse track during a race?
Back to the top.
RULES ABOUT THE ROAD
This section describes the dance floor areas and some rules about them.
Common Country/Western dance floors are divided into Lanes and Areas. With the traffic in the lanes moving counterclockwise, the faster (usually better) dancers stay to the outside. The center of the floor is for line dancing, swinging, free style, etc.
Line dancers, swingers, free stylers, etc. should stay out of the lanes. If they see a couple progressing towards them in the lanes they should make an attempt to get out of the way. Couple dancers should realize that line dancing is here to stay and sometimes the floor fills up (Tush Push, Electric Slide, etc.). When this happens it's best to wait for another song. Heck, if you can't beat em, join em!
Don't use the dance floor for a pathway to the other side of the bar. I'd be willing to bet theres another way around. A dance floor is for dancing on not meant to be used as a sidewalk.
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RULES ON THE ROAD
This section discusses etiquette that should be used while dancing on the floor.
Don't bump into other dancers. To this end, guys (because your leading) plan your moves so you don't run into anyone. And ladies don't be afraid to warn the gent about a dancer he can't see. If by accident you do bump into someone, just apologize to them and be more careful next time.
This one should be self explanatory but some people just don't get it. Don't drink or smoke on the floor. When someone spills a drink on the floor it makes a real slick spot until it dries, then it turns into a real sticky spot. Either way its dangerous (and I didn't even mention if it's spilt on someone). If you feel you must drink on the floor then this LINK is for you. As far as smoking goes no one likes to get burned and it's real irritating when someone burns a hole in your brand new outfit!!!
Use the entire lane when doing a progressive dance. In other words, don't cut the corners or across the floor (unless it can't be helped).
Don't practice competition style dance routines at a honky-tonk. Competition style dance is fine, if thats what you want. But the routines belong on a competition ballroom dance floor not on a real Country/Western dance floor. There are many great competition dancers out there, but "Hitting The Breaks" during a two-step or polka on a honky-tonk dance floor is like slamming on the breaks on the expressway. Not good!
Remember, no one's perfect. So if you or your partner make mistakes don't stop on the floor and argue about it, just laugh it off and keep going. Your dancing to have fun and nothing looks more childish then a couple fighting over a missed move.
Back to the top.
There's a lot more to Country/Western Dance Floor Etiquette but this is a good place to start. If your favorite club needs more etiquette, just ask the dance instructor to stress it more during lessons. Dance floor etiquette is easy to follow and will make your dancing more fun.