DANCE FLOOR ETIQUETTE

 Do Not socialize or carry on a conversation with another dance couple while
 standing on the dance floor. Step off of the dance floor if you are not
 dancing.
 
 Do not move a chair to the end of a table facing the dance floor. This is
 an accident set-up and ready for a victim.

 Walk around the edge of the floor; do not walk across the dance floor while
 others are dancing.
 
 Do not walk onto the dance floor and begin dancing too close to a couple
 already dancing.
 
 Be aware of the dancers around you. While dancing, work as a partnership
 to watch traffic from all four directions. If you bump into someone, kick
 someone or step on someone's foot, or if they bump into you, apologize whether
 it was your fault or theirs.
 
 Do not dance barefooted.

 If both partners realize that a mistake was made in a dance step, quickly
 say "sorry" and continue with the dance. Accept blame regardless of who made
 the error. Never blame your partner for a misstep.
 
 Do not take drinks onto the dance floor or carry food across the dance
 floor unless absolutely necessary to get back to your table.
 
 Dance to the level of your partner. Do not teach your partner to dance
 while on the dance floor. Unsolicited teaching can be humiliating and takes
 the fun out of dancing. Exceptions are informal dances where you go to
 practice and improve your dancing.
 
 Women, do not wear strong perfume. Do not wear baggy sleeves, capes,
 shawls or other clothing that might get in the way of the Male's Right Hand on
 your back and his ability to lead. Don't wear jewelry that can get caught or
 damage your partner's clothing. Do not clutch your handbag behind your
 partner's shoulder or swing it from your shoulder.
 
 Males: Carry your keys in your Left Pocket.
 
 Do not eat peanuts/finger snacks and then dance without thoroughly cleaning
 your hands-a napkin wipe will not remove the oil. Oils stuck to the hands
 can RUIN the back of a Female's dress or the shoulder of a Male's coat or
 shirt.
 
 Applaud at the end of the dance in appreciation of your partner and to  encourage the band.
The man should then escort his partner back to her seat.
 
 If you are dancing in-place such as a shag, swing, rumba, cha-cha, dance
 toward the center of the floor and leave the outside Line of Dance for
 traveling dancers. If you see traveling dancers dancing around the room, move
 toward the center to give them room to dance on the outside. Traveling dancers
 have the right of way in the Line of Dance not only at Country Dances but
 at all dances.
 
 Dance in the Line of Dance, counter clockwise around the room. If you are
 hindered in moving in the Line of Dance, dance a few in-place dance steps
until the offending couple moves.

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