Question 1

💬How do I respond when asked to dance? "Yes, thank you!"

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

💬What do I do when the dance is over? "Thank you for the dance!"

Accepted Answer

💡 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.

Question 3

💬 When and how do I decline an invitation to dance? "No, thank you."

Accepted Answer

🙏 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.

Question 4

💬I bumped into someone while dancing. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

😅 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.

Question 5

💬 The same person is asking me to dance over and over again. Is that ordinary?

Accepted Answer

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.”

Question 6

💬 When I'm not dancing, where do I go and what do I do?

Accepted Answer

💡 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.

Question 7

Know the dance floor. Lanes and the line of dance.

Accepted Answer

➡️ 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.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0b7e12_6988b2adefcc45b3b12b9740ce58bb54~mv2.jpg
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.

Question 8

Personal boundaries. Respect.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Good hygiene. Stay fresh.

Accepted Answer

🧼 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.

Question 10

Bring positive energy. Be kind.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Keep it fun and welcoming. Everyone belongs.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Encourage > Critique. No technique policing.

Accepted Answer

🌟 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.

Question 13

Group classes for everyone. Better, faster.

Accepted Answer

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 (https://www.fatcatballroom.com/dance-classes-phoenix)for classes and events and come dance with us!

Fatcat Ballroom - Phoenix Dance Studio
Come dance with us tonight! Get started or see class schedule.

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Ballroom

Guide to Dance Etiquette

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