Etiquette School of Ohio

Applaud the Band After the Dance

It is a polite and appreciative gesture to applaud the band before exiting the dance floor. They provided you with the music to dance to, so you should thank them.

I attended a dinner dance last evening, turned to applaud the band at the end of the dance and observed an unsightly etiquette faux pas.  One of the guests joined in the applause, but turned to the other guests shouting, “Hurray for us!  We’re wonderful dancers!”

One should never applaud themselves in any situation.

Dance Etiquette - Tap Shoes

This is the time of year dance recitals and stage performances are taking place in every town across America.  Ballerinas are twirling and Rockette hopefuls are tapping away.  At first, we enjoy how adorable they look. But after awhile, the tip pity tap pity of their tap shoes can become quite annoying and disruptive.

Teachers and parents need to remind these future stars of the following courtesies:

1.  Carry your tap shoes to the theater and change into them in the designated dressing room or warm up area.

2.  Don’t run down any halls adjacent to the theater with tap shoes on.

3. When entering the stage wings, tip toe so taps do not disturb the performance on stage.

4. If someone is speaking to you or a group, stand still so your taps do not make noise.

5. Remove your tap shoes when you are done performing and before you enter the auditorium to watch other performers.

6.  When warming up, do so without your tap shoes on or find a place away from others who are trying to have a conversation.

These rules apply to adult performers as well.

Prom Etiquette - Attending a Prom or Dance with a Date

When attending a prom or dance with a date, it is important to stay together throughout the evening. Do not leave your date sitting or standing alone while you’re on the other side of the room with friends or on the dance floor with someone else. Your date is your responsibility.

I’ll never forget attending a party with a date where I didn’t know anyone and my date left me sitting by myself all night while he played pool. Needless to say, the evening was very disheartening for me.

If you must leave your date for any reason, make sure you have introduced them to someone prior to excusing yourself so they may have a conversation with someone rather than sit alone. After visiting the restroom, find your date immediately after rather than making a social tour of the entire party first.

You should only dance with your date unless she has asked you to dance with a friend. In this case, keep it to one dance, not an entire set. It is not acceptable to ask someone else’s date to dance without first asking the other party.

It also very acceptable to dance with a group of friends, but do make sure your date is participating as well.

How To Cut In At A Dance

If a gentlemen would like to dance with a lady who is already dancing with another man, he may cut in by approaching the dancing couple, tapping the man on the shoulder, and asking, “May I cut in?”

It is inappropriate for either member of the dancing pair to refuse the request to cut in.  If the first gentlemen would like to dance with the lady again, he must wait until the next dance to ask her or cut in.

Ballroom Dance Etiquette - Getting on the Dance Floor

After two people have agreed to share a dance, the gentleman escorts the lady to the dance floor.

If the walkway is narrow or cluttered with chairs and tables, the gentleman walks ahead of the lady to ensure a safe path.

When he reaches the dance floor, he stops and waits for his partner, takes her hand or offers his arm, and escorts her to the place he would like to begin the dance.

The lady does not have any say in where they should position themselves on the dance floor.

In fact ladies, the men have total control on the dance floor.  Gentlemen, this may be the only place you are allowed to tell the lady where to go and what to do - enjoy!

Ballroom Dance Etiquette - Applauding the Band

It is appropriate to applaud the band or orchestra at the completion of each musical arrangement or song. The applause communicates your appreciation for their music.

Simply stop, face the band, and applaud. You should then thank your partner for the dance and the gentleman will escort the lady off the dance floor.

Never ever walk off the dance floor leaving your partner standing alone.