Ask Rene’
From the Seattle Swing Dance April 2004 Newsletter
Dear Rene’
I have been under the impression that it was not good dance etiquette to stand or walk across the dance floor while people are dancing. Nonetheless, this happens all the time at dances. Some of the local instructors are the worst offenders. Am I wrong or should these people know better?
Start2Dance
Dear Start2Dance
You are quite correct that if you are not dancing, you should, generally speaking, NOT be on the dance floor. There are several things that one should avoid doing, in regards to this topic. You should, of course, not take a short cut across the floor to get to the other side of the room and you should not hold a conversation with someone on the dance floor. Both are situations where someone could be injured. In either one of these situations you could be a tripping hazard for a dancer in motion – particularly if you happen to walk across the path of someone who, at that instant, is led in a spin down the slot. One should also avoid walking across the floor with beverages in hand. If you are jostled and spill your drink, the water or soda on the floor becomes a slip hazard for dancers. One should avoid carrying food onto the dance floor for the same reason; dropped food becomes a slip hazard.
Now you remember I said folks should, in general stay off the floor unless they are dancing. There are a few reasons why a non-dancer would be on the floor. They include someone performing maintenance work (e.g. cleaning up a drink that someone spilled) or an instructor doing some on-the-spot coaching (although they should move the student to the edge of the floor) or say the DJ checking the sound.
Lastly, I note there is somewhat an “edge” to your comments. Might I suggest that if you see someone who, in your opinion, is making an error, you do not personally confront the miscreant. Simply bring the situation to the attention to the dance promoter or a board member in attendance and let them handle the situation.
Thoughtfully, Rene’