On the floor

Dance floor etiquette

A few friendly guidelines that keep our dance floor safe, welcoming and fun for everyone.

Dance floor etiquette is everyone's responsibility.

1
Partner/Circle dancers have priority. The line of dance is always anti-clockwise around the outside edge of the floor.
2
Never step onto the dance floor carrying a drink.
3
Walk around the edge of the dance floor — never cross through the lines of moving dancers.
4
Keep phones off the dance floor; they can easily be knocked out of your hand and cause injury.
5
Move off the dance floor to chat, and speak quietly so you don't disturb teaching. If space is tight, consider leaving the room.
6
Be helpful and welcoming to newcomers — we were all new once, so be patient.
7
When dancing near beginners, be mindful and courteous by keeping turns or step variations to a minimum, especially during instruction.
8
Only start a different dance if there's room and you sense it would be acceptable. Follow instructions for splitting the floor.
9
Always join at the end of a line if room allows, or start a new line to avoid disrupting moving dancers.
10
If the floor is crowded, take small steps and enjoy the company — but watch out for collisions!
11
If you bump into someone, it's nice to apologise whether it's your fault or not.
12
Don't stop dancing to teach — please leave the dance floor.
13
Start a dance from the front so others can fall in behind.
14
Have fun and enjoy yourselves!

Learn the building-block moves first with our step tutorials.