navigating the crowds

Floor craft is essential for safety on the dance floor.

Asking for a dance is the first step to getting out on the floor. Do the asking, don't wait to be asked. "Would you like a dance?" is a great place to start. Yes or No are both acceptable answers here. If you get a 'no thanks' after you ask for a dance, then it's a no. No one has to justify why they don't want to dance. In some cases, they will say, 'no thanks, I'm tired after the last dance', or 'I need a break'. The person might even find you later on in the set to dance. Whatever the reason, it actually has nothing to do with you, nor do they have to provide a reason. It's the same if you don't want to dance too. So, if you get a NO, just say, 'all good'- and move on to finding someone else to ask. It's totally okay if someone doesn't want to dance.

There is an element of responsibility from both leads and follows to stay safe on the dance floor. In saying this, leads need to be consistently checking for traffic. If you are leading a swing-out (or any move), it's your responsibility to lead it into a safe place for your follow.

Remember, a follow can't see where they are going! Staying on the 'line' is where you lead your follow straight. This will help with you, and other leads, predicting where other follows are headed. Keep your eyes up and stay alert!

Be mindful of the space you are taking up on the floor. Smaller spaces mean you will need to shorten your swing-outs or change dance styles to something more suitable..... say, like Collegiate Shag!

Safe dancing is also dancing underneath yourself. This means your feet stay under your shoulders- no big rock steps! Being stepped on or kicked is not nice at all! Accidents happen, so say 'sorry' and check if the person is okay.

If we are mindful then everyone can have a great time on the dance floor, collision-free.

Written By Amy Burt, August 2021 for ‘The Dance Kit Vol. 1’ and Published online February 2023