In this article, I answered some of the most common questions that women ask about appropriate Dance class etiquette.
Question number 1 - What to wear to the dance class?
What to wear in a dance class is one of the most common questions regarding the proper etiquette of a dance class, regardless of gender. For a dance studio, it is often best to wear something comfortable, such as gymnastics pants or casual jeans. Dresses are great to wear too. Casual clothes are usually beautiful, but if your classes at the club, it is always helpful to ask if they have a dress code, and if so, what it is.
Of course, the right dance shoes are always the best option, but many salsa beginners take most shoes. If you want to wear high heels, make sure they have a lot of ankle support and you feel comfortable with them. Often a casual, comfortable shoe with a smooth bottom is a much better option for a dance studio. Save high heels for the club. Speaking of clubs, dance shoes are always the best option, even for clubs (although some clubs can guarantee other shoes if the floor is terrible and you don’t want to damage the shoes).
Question number 2 - Do I need a dance partner?
In my experience, very rarely do you need a dance partner. In fact, if only a flyer or advertisement for a class does not say that you need a dance partner, I would assume that you do not need it. In the hundreds of classes I came to, I came across only one or two classes (this happened in Louisiana) that you needed to have a dance partner to sign a dance course. Of course, if you want to be absolutely sure, you can always check with the instructor before hand.
Question # 3 - What should I do if I get a partnership with a creepy guy?
Well, this question is not always voiced often, but I heard it from some women. Therefore, I decided to address this issue. First of all, understand that dance classes, especially salsa, attract people from different backgrounds. You often have many people from all ages, genders, religions, races, socio-economic and cultural traditions. Always make sure that you take into account and try to understand other differences. Moremoremore, not every guy has good social skills. Often they have no harm, even if they may seem inconvenient.
Now, having said this, if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, for example, touches you so that you feel uncomfortable, but you do not think that he is brazenly trying to insult you or try to be a jerk, your first defense is polite refer to the chapter of the question. Immediately and politely move your hand and say to the gentleman: “Could you please take me here, I would feel more comfortable,” and then thank him as soon as he does. Sometimes we, men, just need the right direction and help from you. In other cases, you need to take more decisive action.
If he is a jerk and disrespect to you, politely tell him to stop everything he does that makes you feel uncomfortable. For example, if you do not want to create a scene in the middle of a class, it is best to simply talk to your instructor about the incident in private after class. Your instructor should be glad to hear your concern, and you are doing a great service to him. It is best for your instructor to deal with the incident. In the end, no instructor wants to lose students because of some creepy guy.
Question # 4 - Is it normal to ask questions?
Yes, most instructors welcome questions (at least they should). In fact, by asking questions, you may also express questions or problems that others have in the class, but are just too afraid to ask. Of course, if you constantly find yourself the only one who asks questions, it may be time to keep them, but most instructors love their students to ask questions and be interactive. So say your thoughts.
Question number 5 - Should I help my partner if he cannot get traffic?
This answer may surprise you, you should not. First of all, understand that no matter how you are better than him, your partner did not come to the classroom to learn from you. Of course, if this is just a quick fix that makes the move more convenient for you, feel free to do it or point to it. But when you come to a dance class, your priority should always be to work on yourself, not with your partner. For example, if you master the pattern faster than your partner, starting to work with your style, position, joining, placing your legs, placing your hands, spotting, moving your body or any other area of your dance, and not helping it. If he has a question, he knows that by raising his hand, he can ask the instructor a question if he wants to. Training your partner during your lesson can be perceived as an insult not only by your partner, but also by your instructor.
And there you have it, 5 common questions and answers for correct Dance class etiquette.
