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Aussie Dances are social dances, and social dances are all about having fun and enjoying yourself without upsetting or annoying others who are also at the same event to enjoy themselves.
On the Dance Floor
Crowding
Dance floors can on occasions become crowded. Adjustments need to be made to the way we dance when this happens. Please be aware of other dancers on the floor and do everything you can to avoid collisions. Often all that is needed to avoid a collision is a gentle pull or squeeze from one dance partner to the other to let them know that you are getting too close to other dancers. Practise good floorcraft
Ballroom Dances & Sequence Dances
If a sequence dance such as the Merilyn is being danced, by all means join in if you can dance it. If you can’t, then stay off the dance floor or get in the middle of the floor so you will not be in the way. If you are dancing Rock ‘n Roll or some other dance which is normally danced on the one spot, stay away from the outside of the dance floor if that dance can also be a Ballroom dance where dancers move around the dance floor. The line of dance for most dances is counter-clockwise around the dance floor. Practise good floorcraft.
Collisions
As already said try to avoid collisions. However, if they do occur, apologise to the couple with whom you collided. This goes to both couples involved, regardless of whom you thought did the bumping. Practise good floorcraft.
Entering and Leaving the Dance Floor
If other couples are dancing, use caution when entering or leaving the dance floor. Also, avoid stopping while dancing so you don’t block traffic.
Off the Dance Floor
Asking and Being Asked to Dance
In the past at a dance, it was the men who did the asking. Currently it is generally considered OK for either a man or a woman to ask someone for a dance. Don’t be shy to ask someone for a dance at an Aussie Dance, even if you are a beginner. Perhaps you could warn them that you are a beginner or that you are not sure of all the steps. Generally whether you are male or female don’t refuse the request for a dance. And if you do, give a reason for your refusal. Requests for a dance should be polite and simple such as “May I have this dance?”, or “Can you do Smokey Places?”. Even making eye contact with the person and offering your hand may suffice. If two people are very obviously a couple at a dance, try and avoid asking one of them for a dance unless you know them well, and you know it will be OK with their partner. There are generally lots of others you can ask.
Dress - Grooming - Hygiene
Dress appropriately for the dance. The dress standard for most Aussie Dances is smart casual. Ties, coats and suits are optional. The dress standard for our Friday night dances at Mt Gravatt Bowls Club is more casual than our Saturday night dance at which some of our dancers like to dress more formally.
If you tend to sweat profusely, then a hand towel is an essential part of your dancing kit. These are inexpensive and readily available. Aussie Dances has embroidered hand towels available for purchase at a cost of $10 each. Some dancers also like to carry a couple of spare shirts that they can change into if needed.
When dancing you are up close to others. Be sure to shower and use a deodorant. Brush your teeth and use a mouthwash or breath mint. Avoid foods that produce strong odours such as garlic before a dance. If you are a smoker, be aware that the smell of cigarettes on one’s breath and clothing can be unattractive, particularly to nonsmokers.
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