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.
- 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 Modern Jive
moves on their dance floor. Modern Jive 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.
- 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
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