Top 'Rules' of Etiquette
by Jeff Miller and adapted from 'The Swing Book' by Degen Penner

1. Welcome Beginner Dancers.
New dancers are very intimidated by better dancers. They are not likely to get better without dancing by veteran dancers to help them out. They usually hang out at the farthest table. So if you are a beginner dancer, just ask.

2. Asking Someone to Dance.
You don't need to make the question too complicated, just say "You wanna dance?" Swing dancing is a perfect place to get out and just have fun and not be be a signal for "getting picked up".

3. Never Say "No" and Dance with Someone Else.
If you say 'no', stay out that dance. And make sure you ask them for the next one.

4. Be Polite to Your Partner.
Keep your attention on your partner. Do not look around the room for someone else to dance with next. Best yet, keep eye contact and just smile!

5. Be Courteous After Your Dance.
After dancing, applaud the band and fellow dancers. Guys...also thank your lady for the dance and lead her back to her seat.

6. Be Aware on the Dance Floor.
If the dance floor is crowded, do not do aerials, big kicks or travel too much. If you bump into someone or step on someone's foot, just apologize.

7. No Drinks On Dance Floor
Do not bring food, drinks or smoke on the dance floor, that is what tables are for. We love to slide on the floor, nothing ruins a dance floor than someone spilling a drink.

8. No Parking On The Dance Floor!.
Do not stand around on the dance floor. If you are waiting for someone, wait to the side, you may get in people's way.

9. Support the Dance Club.
Keep the nightclub wanting your business and therefore keeping swing night. Grab a bite to eat. If you don't drink when you dance, at least buy some soda or water. Do not bring in your own water to drink.

10. Be Aware of Yourself
Swing dancing not only is a lot of good exercise, but you do tend to sweat too. Please take time to notice of how much you sweat during a swing dance event. So...bring a towel to dry off after every dance. Have an extra shirt or two to change into during the night. And quite possibly, bring some deodorant for before & during the event.

**11. SMILE!
It is contagious. We are all there to have fun and dance, so keep smiling!