Dance etiquette for women
At dances, men gravitate to women who are easily approachable. A woman doesn't
have to be the best dancer, or the best looking, or the youngest and prettiest.
Any woman can attract more invitations to dance merely by making herself more
approachable. Here are some easy ways to do that.
Here are 8 recommendations for you:
#1: Wear a single layer top.
Two layers of clothing slip and slide under a man's hand on your back. That makes
it difficult to lead you. A man with dance training will know this consciously.
Other men won't be able to say so, but they'll have a 'gut feel' about it. So
do not wear a vest or jacket or an over-blouse. You will carry a sweater,
because dance rooms are usually very cool, but you won't wear that while you
dance. A skirt or dress flows better when dancing, but long slacks can be acceptable.
#2: Avoid bare shoulders or back.
Yes, bare skin attracts attention from men. But after you've
danced a little while, bare skin can feel damp and clammy to the man. Men who
enjoy dancing prefer the feel of silk, rayon or cotton. Sleeveless is fine -
and cool for you - but avoid dresses with open shoulders or back. (Unless at a
very formal dance - where your purpose is to be seen more than to dance.)
#3: Keep jewelry to a minimum.
Yes Ladies, we love our jewelry but, long necklaces and big bracelets catch in clothing.
Large hoops and dangling earrings are
distracting. Large rings can scratch or catch someone off guard on a turn. Men are aware of this.
Wearing loads of jewelry is like a sign saying, "Stay Away."
Best advice: Keep all your
jewelry small and simple.
#4: Shoes are your most important accessory for dancing.
Men who know how to dance will avoid women with the wrong shoes.
Please do not wear sandals of any kind, or any rubber-sole walking shoes. Open toe shoes are fine,
as long as they are secure. Wearing ultra-high heels will have you
teetering instead of dancing. Suitable shoes for dancing are pumps or
medium heels. Just be certain that shoes
are secure on your feet - not lose or floppy.
#5: It is okay to stand at the edge of the dance floor watching the other dancers. If you keep your arms up at waist level (not crossed) and sway or bounce slightly to the music, you are showing that you are open to being asked to dance.
#6: Try not to sit all night at a table with your girlfriends if you want to dance. Men generally do not want to be turned down in front of a table full of women, so they will shy away. See tip #5.
#7 Never refuse a dance on the first time asked. However, do not allow yourself to be coveted by Mr "I don't want to give you up", when you may clearly be there to meet and dance with others. 1-2 dances are enough, and then you can politely sit down or excuse yourself to the ladies room.
#8: And finally, it is OKAY to ask a man to dance, instead of waiting to be asked. As my 22 year old son would say," This is 2011, Mom". Smart boy.
have to be the best dancer, or the best looking, or the youngest and prettiest.
Any woman can attract more invitations to dance merely by making herself more
approachable. Here are some easy ways to do that.
Here are 8 recommendations for you:
#1: Wear a single layer top.
Two layers of clothing slip and slide under a man's hand on your back. That makes
it difficult to lead you. A man with dance training will know this consciously.
Other men won't be able to say so, but they'll have a 'gut feel' about it. So
do not wear a vest or jacket or an over-blouse. You will carry a sweater,
because dance rooms are usually very cool, but you won't wear that while you
dance. A skirt or dress flows better when dancing, but long slacks can be acceptable.
#2: Avoid bare shoulders or back.
Yes, bare skin attracts attention from men. But after you've
danced a little while, bare skin can feel damp and clammy to the man. Men who
enjoy dancing prefer the feel of silk, rayon or cotton. Sleeveless is fine -
and cool for you - but avoid dresses with open shoulders or back. (Unless at a
very formal dance - where your purpose is to be seen more than to dance.)
#3: Keep jewelry to a minimum.
Yes Ladies, we love our jewelry but, long necklaces and big bracelets catch in clothing.
Large hoops and dangling earrings are
distracting. Large rings can scratch or catch someone off guard on a turn. Men are aware of this.
Wearing loads of jewelry is like a sign saying, "Stay Away."
Best advice: Keep all your
jewelry small and simple.
#4: Shoes are your most important accessory for dancing.
Men who know how to dance will avoid women with the wrong shoes.
Please do not wear sandals of any kind, or any rubber-sole walking shoes. Open toe shoes are fine,
as long as they are secure. Wearing ultra-high heels will have you
teetering instead of dancing. Suitable shoes for dancing are pumps or
medium heels. Just be certain that shoes
are secure on your feet - not lose or floppy.
#5: It is okay to stand at the edge of the dance floor watching the other dancers. If you keep your arms up at waist level (not crossed) and sway or bounce slightly to the music, you are showing that you are open to being asked to dance.
#6: Try not to sit all night at a table with your girlfriends if you want to dance. Men generally do not want to be turned down in front of a table full of women, so they will shy away. See tip #5.
#7 Never refuse a dance on the first time asked. However, do not allow yourself to be coveted by Mr "I don't want to give you up", when you may clearly be there to meet and dance with others. 1-2 dances are enough, and then you can politely sit down or excuse yourself to the ladies room.
#8: And finally, it is OKAY to ask a man to dance, instead of waiting to be asked. As my 22 year old son would say," This is 2011, Mom". Smart boy.
