Salsa Dance Etiquette for Guys and Gals

1. When asking someone to dance, be polite, if you don't know the person you are asking, first introduce yourself and then ask her or him to dance, 99% of the time, they will say yes if you're nice!

2. When dancing, pay attention to your partner, keep eye contact and try to smile as often as possible. Nobody enjoys dancing with a grouch, no matter how good they dance...

3. When someone makes a mistake, don't argue about it or give them attitude, laugh it off and keep dancing, this will relax the person who made the mistake. The more relaxed you are when you dance, the better you will lead and follow.

4. When dancing in a crowded club, keep your steps small and move your body more (on the spot). When restricted with space, keep your elbows to yourself, try to move your hips more, shoulders etc, and you will find that you don't step on other dancers... and other dancers won't step on you... hopefully ;)

5. When leading a beginner dancer, KISS :) (keep it simple stupid) ha ha Don't try all your complicated moves on the first 4 bars, start slow, single spin, CBL, basic, and as they relax, try to slowly bring the level up to their limit.

6. When following a beginner dancer, be nice, smile and make them feel comfortable and relaxed so they can remember their steps... if they make a mistake, just smile and keep dancing! Remember, we were ALL beginners at one point.

7. When dancing, leave behind anything that could get in the way ... your purse, your drink... etc.

8. Try not to wear a watch or any jewellery that could get caught on hair or clothing.

9. When entering the club, wipe the bottom of your shoes or change your shoes before getting to the dance floor. When it's raining or snowing out, all that mud and dirt will stay on your shoes and if you walk through the dance floor leaving a mud trail behind you, other people with dance shoes on will not appreciate it.

10. When you're not dancing, don't stand in the way of other people trying to dance. Even if you want to watch, stand back and leave the space on the dance floor to people who are dancing.

11. When you arrive to the dance club, never say no to the first person asks you to dance. Once you get out there a couple of times with different partners, other potential partners will know you won't turn them down.

12. A hardwood dance floor should be treated with care. Drinks, food and cigarettes on the dance floor are a big NO NO.

13. If you are a beginner, remember that everyone out there has probably experienced that same sweaty palm, stiff-as-a-board, jittery feeling. It will pass, relax, smile and enjoy the music!

14. If you had a great dance with someone, tell them at the end of song! They will love to hear it.

15. And last but not least, when greeting someone with a kiss, if your face is all sweaty, DO NOT make cheek contact!!!! Shake hands or kiss the air...

TIPS FOR THE LADIES:

1. When your have long hair, try to tie it in a way that it won't whip your partner or other dancers around you. Getting hit in the eye by flying hair does not feel great.

2. When dancing, don't wonder around with your eyes looking at other dancers. This will tell your partner that you wish you were dancing with them... and not him.

3. If your partner has forgotten to shower that day, try to smile and breath through your mouth :) This way, you will still enjoy the dance instead of trying to hold your breath for a whole song.

4. Girls, I cannot stress this enough, do not anticipate moves. You may think you know the move and just go without letting your partner lead you. There are millions of combinations so never assume it's the one you know...

5. When styling, make sure you bring your hands back by 3 (when dancing on 1). Your partner needs your hand by 3 to start leading, turning... etc.

6. Always look at your partner, pay attention to hands and body movements and you'll be able to follow much better.

7. Relax your arms and shoulders when following, this will allow your partner to lead better.

8. Don't sink into your steps, this will make you slow and heavy, stay on your toes and keep soft knees to follow quickly and light.

TIPS FOR MEN:

1. Don't stare at your partner's chest when asking her to dance or while dancing.

2. Say thank you after dancing the first song... if you wish to continue dancing, ask one more?

3. Most important, try to remember, your partner is not disposable - don't toss her around like a bowling ball.

4. Try to wear a cotton shirt under your dress shirt, this will help absorb the sweat and keep you dryer. If you tend to sweat a lot, try to bring an extra shirt or towel.

5. Try NOT to wear your "construction boots" type shoes on the dance floor. If you happen to step on a girl wearing sandals or dance shoes, she will never forget or forgive!

6. When wearing a long sleeve dress shirt with buttons on the cuffs, try to roll up the cuffs. Those buttons always catch on the girls’ hair.

7. Girls love to get dipped, but not into a table or someone else. Always look around before you dip her. If her hair is down and it's long, don't dip her low or other people will step on her hair.

8. And most important, treat your partner like a lady. She will always love dancing with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read these tips!