Safety and Etiquette

The most important rule dancing at the Ceroc & Modern Jive Dance Company is that we should never say no!

Modern Jive brings everyone together with the common desire to dance, so everyone can ask anyone to dance, and nobody is allowed to say no. Of course there might be times where you have to, but as long as you do it politely and appropriately, and maybe come back to the person later or another night for that dance you missed, that’s ok.

See below for more tips on etiquette and safety on the dance floor that will make a better experience for everyone!

When dancing, always be aware of the space around you:

• Leaders always should be mindful of the space available for dips – a safe space can become unsafe very quickly, so leaders, make this YOUR responsibility, and followers don’t throw yourself back into a dip unless led.
• Avoid travelling moves, big sweeping steps and arm movements, lifts and dips on a crowded dance floor.  This applies to leaders AND followers.
• Ensure safe balanced spins to avoid spinning out of control into an unsafe space. Leaders ALWAYS be ready to catch your partner off a spin.
• When entering and leaving the dance floor, always move to the edge and walk safely along the side, rather than weaving through the crowd.
• When dancing in a social environment outside of our events and classes, be mindful that other dancers may not appreciate you busting your fancy Ceroc moves on their dance floor. Ceroc looks impressive on the social floor even when subtle and stylish moves are used, so do yourself a favour and keep it small – you’ll leave the floor impressing people instead of offending them.

When dancing with new partners:

• Followers don’t be afraid to let your leader know if you don’t like doing dips
• Don’t try your 'close' moves out on strangers!
• If your new partner is a beginner, be mindful of their current ability to lead/follow, and don’t expect them to be able to dance more than their basic beginner moves

Be aware of your personal approach, safety and hygiene:

• Always politely ask for or refuse (with very good reason!) a dance. Refusing one person and then going to straight to the dance floor with another is not considered polite.
• Especially in the summer months, always bring deodorant, a towel, and a change of top (and this applies to the ladies as much as the guys!). Also be aware that the physical contact required for some moves are not quite so pleasant when our bodies are hotter.
• A toothbrush and mouthwash or breath mints can be a useful addition to your dance bag too! Dancing brings us close to our partners, and often we’re not aware of that smell of cigarettes/coffee/that garlic pizza we had for dinner before class….
• Be aware of hot clammy hands – sometime this can be due to nerves, but nonetheless can be controlled by frequent washing/wiping or perhaps just some talcum powder on the palms before class.
• Coughing and sneezing into our hands and then offering those same hands to our partner is not nice! Uncontrollable coughs/sneezes can sometimes be diverted to our upper arm to avoid the hand contact, however excusing yourself from the dance floor is probably more appropriate. If you are suffering from a cold or cough, it is advisable to stay away from partner dancing until you’ve recovered.
• Make use of the free hand santiser that is available at all our classes and events.
• Avoid wearing sharp and protruding rings that could cause cuts or bruises to your partner; and bracelets/watches and necklaces that could get tangled with you and/or your partner and could cause injury.
• Always be aware of your partner’s personal space – even with a partner you know, close moves are not always appropriate.

If you feel uncomfortable dancing with someone at any of our classes or events for any reason, you should try and approach them with reasons why. If you’re not at ease doing this, or if you feel that the person may also make other people uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to talk to your teacher on the night or to contact us confidentially:

Email:
Tel: 9410 1111