You may not have an actual dance partner, but each and every time you social dance with someone... you do.
So whether you're new to partner dancing, you're a Bronze Student developing your skills, or an advanced student looking to refine your partnering etiquette - you've come to the right article.
What is Social Dancing?
Social Dancing is a form of partner dancing that is designed for practical use, instead of for exhibition or competition. If you compared it to language, Social Dance would be a conversation, while exhibition would be closer to a pre-planned speech.
In order for this to work effectively, the technique of Leading and Following is heavily emphasized to send and receive dance signals from one partner to the other.
Even though social dancing does not rely on choreography, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared with, at the very least, the basic skills in the dance you're attempting.
There have been plenty of leaders that believed that alcohol or good music will help their dance skills, and an equal number of followers that feel that good leaders are the only requirement for a great time on the dance floor.
Unfortunately, neither are true.
Dance lessons are the quickest way to prepare, and you don't need perfect footwork, timing, or a championship dance frame to enjoy yourself and enjoy a dance with someone else.
So if smiling is the "gateway to the soul", let us proclaim it's also the fast track to a positive dance invitation.
Think about it like retail sales for a second.
You will always buy more, tip more, and return more when the professional is warm and friendly. As humans, we will choose people we like, even if they are less skilled, over people we don't, and smiling is a big part of that.
Regardless of how much you may, or may not, know, smiling reminds your dance partners that you're human, and that you're enjoying your dance time on Earth. Which is a big improvement over the emotionless experts.
It's called social dancing for a reason. Without a little conversation, it can feel more like "stuffy dancing". In fact, the conversation doesn't even need to be dance related. After all, for the few minutes you're dancing together, you're partners.
So get to know your partner.
Asking questions is a great way to connect. Notice how the questions vary from dance, to regular life. Try them out:
1. What was your first lesson like?
2. Who was the first person you told after it was over?
3. Greatest vacation you've ever been on?
4. Have you had a chance to dance on vacation yet?
5. Random question, what's one movie you've seen more than 5 times?
If your smile is the invitation, then how you smell is the party. So don't throw a stinky party.
Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but if "extreme" is the adjective your would-be partners might use to describe your overall scent - then maybe not.
You don't need to be the best dancer, but you've got to show confidence in your side of the dance frame.
Internally, it's a fight or flight response that you need to accept is happening, and by focusing your dance efforts on your own role, you're fighting the urge to blame your partner.
Every partner, regardless of the quality of dance execution, deserves a smile, a warm thanks, and an encouraging word.
While some partners may be lacking in some areas, the great thing about Arthur Murray is that the studio is a greenhouse - no this isn't a dig at the rising temperatures that occur during the practice parties - but the environment is designed to stimulate growth.
Not just in dancing, but in how to interact with the people you dance with.
A goal is just future regret until you take action. We hope this article inspired you to do just that. Spend 45 minutes of your time and we know you'll discover something that will positively impact your life.