Hey Carolina Shaggers and Swing Dancers!
We all know that feeling: the music starts, the energy in the room is electric, and you can't wait to hit the dance floor. Whether you're grooving to the smooth sounds of Carolina Shag or getting your Lindy Hop on, the joy of swing dancing is contagious.
Recently, after a fantastic but crowded weekend at SOS Spring Migration, we were reminded of something incredibly important: dance floor etiquette. While the excitement of a packed floor is undeniable, it also requires us to be extra mindful and considerate of our fellow dancers. We personally experienced a few unexpected kicks (ouch!) which highlighted the need for a refresher on how we can all share the dance floor safely and enjoyably.
That's why we're thrilled to introduce our new guide: "A Guide to Dance Floor Etiquette in the Swing Dance Community (with a Special Focus on Carolina Shag)."
This isn't about strict rules or dampening the fun. Instead, it's a collection of friendly reminders to help us all navigate the dance floor with awareness, courtesy, and a shared sense of community. Inside, you'll find practical tips on:
- Entering and exiting the floor gracefully: Let's avoid those unexpected roadblocks!
- Navigating crowded spaces: Especially important during those high-energy events.
- Understanding partner and floor awareness: It takes two (and everyone around us!) to tango... or shag!
- Managing those bigger moves: Let's keep our swing outs and turns considerate of everyone's personal space.
- Handling those little bumps (because they happen!): Grace and understanding go a long way.
- Cultivating a positive vibe: Let's keep the energy high and the smiles wide.
- The role of instructors in fostering good habits: We all play a part in this!
We even delve a little into the history of dances like Balboa and the Carolina Shag "pivot" and how they evolved to thrive in more compact spaces – a testament to the adaptability and consideration within our dance heritage.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that every time we step onto the dance floor, it's a positive experience for everyone. By being mindful of our movements and the dancers around us, we can minimize those accidental bumps and keep the focus where it belongs – on the music, the connection, and the sheer joy of swing dancing.
We encourage all our fellow dance instructors, students and fellow dancers to take a look at the guide. Let's work together to create dance floors where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and ready to shag!
You can find the full guide at the link above!
Let's keep the good times rolling – together!
Happy Dancing,
Roger & Denise Underhill
Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective
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