CRASHES ON THE DANCE FLOOR 

A few of us have mentioned here and there etiquette of dance direction on
the dance floor.  I have been continually met with surprise and comments
like "Why hasn't anyone ever told us that before???  That makes sooo
much sense!"

The biggest reason, was we assumed you KNEW! 

All dances are "directional" whether round-type (east coast & hustle), or
flow-type (two-step, ballroom, etc.) or slotted (imperial, west coast, most
cha cha patterns, hustle).  So if you have all the different types on the
dance floor how do we keep from running into each other??? 

Every dance other than the flow dances should be done according to the
idea of SLOT.  Yes, even round-like east coast, hustle, original imperial, etc.
can at least approximate the direction of the SLOTTED dances and
SHOULD in order to have more safety and enjoyment. 

On a wooden floor -- the best direction is WITH the length of the floor
boards. 

On a tile floor -- if the room is rectangular, go with the length of the room.
If the room is square, go SIDEWAYS to the DJ/stage/judges. 

The perimeter of the dance floor is saved for FLOW dancing.  About 6
feet in width is minimally acceptable – more if you have the room or if it is
the primary dance being done.  Line dancing is usually to one side/corner
at a swing event or the center if this is the primary dance and first wall
begins facing the audience or the DJ/judges should the audience be all the
way around the room.  If you are at a swing event, however, you will not
have many flow or line dancers so you can sometimes go against the
floorboards ONLY if you are on the perimeter.  Otherwise, you need to
go in the same direction as everyone else...the length of the floorboards or
lengthwise to the audience/judges. 

This is not about ego.  Although some thought it was just "a good idea"
when I first mentioned this etiquette, it really IS an international dance
standard (not something I'm trying to impose on you all).   It’s history
comes from competition where you wanted the most bang for your dance
– the majority of your dance being seen by the judges and audience.  I
dare say many of you have caught a dance program on public broadcasting
and/or have gone to dance events out of town -- you saw this dance floor
etiquette in play.

We all know that not all folks take dance lessons or go dancing just for
the sake of the dancing.  It is a VERY acceptable avenue for meeting new
friends.  However etiquette isn't just about rules -- it's just plain ole
courtesy.  Bet you all know that if you play softball at a family picnic
you aren't supposed to throw your bat at the catcher, yes?  Same thing
here.  Even if you never got into dancing in order to make it to the Major
League of Dance Champions, enjoying social dancing without harming
yourself or another is still just common sense.

Never never NEVER go against the length of the floorboards in the center
of the room.  It causes a ripple effect all the way across the dance floor and
that's when you get heated "dirty" looks from other dancers, get stepped
on, and generally bumped into with the hopes you will get the message! 

Ladies, I can sometimes control this with the first "throw out or glide
away" my lead gives me, I just adjust my line of dance a bit until my lead
has to step in front of me along the length of the floor board --- however
this is not the best way to go about it, as that can also lead to a bad form of
back leading if you are not careful.  Much better to just ask him to put you
in the right direction. 

ADDED Benefit:  It improves our dancing.  Knowing what direction you
need to go prevents us trying to guess when we are dancing with someone
who had a booboo lead or a weak follow.  You get back into step with each
other much quicker and you always know where to find each other after a
turn!