Guide to Dance Etiquette

​​​👀 To ask someone to dance, make eye contact, offer your hand, smile, and say: “May I have this dance?” A clear, kind invitation helps your partner feel welcome. When they say "Yes," then you should smile, take your partner's hand, and escort them onto the dance floor.

💖 The custom is to answer: “Yes, thank you, I’d love to.” This keeps the atmosphere warm and inviting for all dancers.

Always end the dance with, “Thank you for the dance!” and escort your dance partner off the dance floor. During the dance, be aware of your partner. Smile and make eye contact, but don’t stare.

🙏 If you need a break or otherwise wish to pass on an invite, simply say, “No, thank you.” Respect and kindness go both ways. At Fatcat, it is uncustomary to decline a dance simply because you are a more experienced dancer. Every partner is an opportunity to grow.

If you are uncomfortable or hurt while partner dancing, stop dancing momentarily, and let your partner know. Try saying something like “Excuse me, you are holding my hand too tightly. May we try again?” If you ever receive an inconsiderate response or your partner seems unwilling to modify his or her behavior, say “Thank you, but I would like to stop now” and notify staff immediately.

🙂 Smile, thank them, and ask someone else. Grace keeps the energy positive.

😅 Accidents happen! Apologize, check they’re okay, and keep dancing. When necessary and if possible, escort the person off the dance floor and alert staff. Some dancers love to swing out on a crowded dance floor. Please be mindful of floor space.

🛑 When a dance move feels tricky, let your dance partner know that you need to take a moment on the side. Practice, then rejoin with confidence.

In a social dance situation, it's customary to dance with various people. Unless you come with a dance partner, it's generally poor dance etiquette to dance with the same person for an entire event. Naturally, you may prefer certain dance partners to others. However, this should not prevent you from accepting an offer to dance from someone new or asking someone new to dance.

If the same person asks you to dance for several dances in a row, it's acceptable to say, “Thank you, but I would like to meet some more people and dance with others for a while. I will be happy to dance with you again later.”

When not dancing, it is courteous to walk around the perimeter of the dance floor to stay clear of where others are dancing. Please do not cut across the dance floor or carry food or drinks onto the dance floor. And, remember to move off the dance floor when engaging in conversation. Thank you.

➡️ In ballroom dances like the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Samba, and Paso Doble, move counterclockwise and follow floor “lanes” (fast, slow, center). ​​Imagine following an imaginary path called the Line of Dance. This keeps traffic smooth and safe.

Fast Lane - For experienced dancers who quickly cover a great deal of ground

Slow Lane - For new dancers and dancers who move slower

Center Floor - Where dancers practice basic steps without traveling, entirely out of the line of dance

🥤🍎 Unlike many studios, we allow food and drinks inside. Please keep refreshments off the dance floor to keep it clean and safe.

✋ Hold gently, always ask, and check in if something feels uncomfortable. Comfort is part of great dancing.

🧼 Shower, use deodorant, wear fresh clothes, and freshen your breath. If you sweat a lot, bring a towel or change — your partners will thank you. Use a light touch if applying perfume or cologne.

🌈 A smile, kind word, or laugh can make someone’s whole night. Share good vibes on the floor.

🎉 Social dancing is about joy, growth, and connection. Everyone belongs — no sidelines here!

🌟 Cheer on your partner and celebrate progress. Let instructors handle technical corrections.

Your dance partner is doing their best. If they ask for help correcting a dance move, offer advice. If their dancing off time, take it as a challenge to dance to the same rhythms as your partner. 🎶 Everyone dances differently — adjust to your partner’s rhythm and enjoy the ride.

You learn to dance faster when you dance with various dance partners, so instructors ask everyone to rotate partners in a group lesson. Be sure to say "Hello," and introduce yourself to each new dance partner. Couples are welcome to stay together, just take a step back so other dancers can pass and go to the next person.

For social dancing to be enjoyable for everyone, dancers should be supportive and kind to each other regardless of different dancing styles and skill levels. It would be appreciated if you would take a turn dancing with each person and did not decline to rotate to a participant because you think that person is not a good enough dancer. Everyone needs to grow and learn, so please be considerate of other dancers.

See the calendar for classes and events and come dance with us!