Etiquette

A correct code of conduct for dancers at 1940s and 50s events.

It's unrealistic to assume that people who don't dance know about dancing, so don't be surprised when people get in the way or do unexpected things. Almost all instances of etiquette not being followed occur because people don't understand or don't know.

The Dancefloor

Once you become serious about dancing, the dancefloor becomes a place to respect. To do spins and turns correctly you'll require a consistent surface, so it's important that the floor is looked after by both the venue and the people who use it. Make sure you don't take your drinks onto the floor in case they get spilled and make it slippery. Glasses, bottles and drinks can very occasionally end up on the floor if non-dancers have been watching a band.

Basically, if you're not dancing you shouldn't be on the dancefloor, especially if others are dancing. However at busy events, people may stand around the edge of the floor to watch the dancing. If you're one of them, try not to continually edge forward to get a better view as you may end up 'kettling' the dancers by reducing the dancing area - and then wondering why there aren't many folks dancing.

The Dancing

• Be mindful of the positions of other dancers and the area they're dancing in so you don't bump into them. If you do then make contact, apologise and move to a safer distance.
• Contain your dancing to the area available and don't do anything wild when there are a lot of people close to you. This is known as 'floorcraft' and takes some experience to perfect. Once you get the hang of it you may be suprised how satisfying dancing in a busy area without bumping can be.
• Make sure you're doing the right dance; if you want to Jive when a dancefloor has Boppers or Strollers already on it, make sure you stay well out of their way. You'd not be too pleased if people started Strolling or Bopping in the middle of your Jiving area!
• If you're at an event that plays different sorts of Vintage music, you may see couples circulating around the outside of the floor dancing to Foxtrot or Quickstep. In this case, you should Jive near the centre of the area.

Social Dancing

• It's normal for Leads or Followers to ask each other for a dance.
• If you're planning to dance with someone you don't know or have never danced with before, watch them dancing with other people before you ask them to dance with you. Making sure you know what type of moves they can do is helpful so you don't end up confusing each other. An experienced dancer should be able to lead or follow any basic move, so if you're nervous ask that you both stick to basic moves.
• Always be polite when asking someone to dance and don't be offended if they say no. It could simply be that they're tired after other dances, they don't like the song, or they and their partner have an agreement not to dance with anyone else. They don't have to give a reason and you shouldn't worry about it.
• If you're dancing with someone new, be gentle! Jive relies on some pressure and tension to initiate the spins but don't push or pull too hard. If your partner asks you to tone down your dancing, please do as they ask. Remember that it's not OK to do complicated or unexpected moves with a new partner.
• Don't criticise or complain while dancing: be polite, give genuine compliments and say thank you.
• Take care to place your hands appropriately, especially with a new partner. Dancing with someone new who's a different height or shape can occasionally leave your hands out of position, so apologise if you make inappropriate contact.
• Only give people advice on their dancing if they ask you to!

Most Importantly

Don't forget to smile!
It's fun, you'll both make mistakes, enjoy the learning process!
It usually takes at least two dances to get the hang of a new Jive partner, so maybe stay on the dancefloor for a second song. You'll be surprised how much better it'll feel!