2017 issue 3 my daily shuffle 2017 issue 3 final | Page 3

My Daily Shuffle Issue 3, 2017
A Rookie’s Guide to
F
Ballroom
Etiquette
Socials and competitions: on and off-floor, and a brief attire guideline
irst, the dances progress around the floor in a
counter clockwise direction. Even if you are
crawling around the floor on two bloodied
stumps, please make sure those streaks of blood
leave a well-defined line moving counter clockwise.
Also it is traditionally considered poor form to cross
the centre of the floor. Do not do so unless you are
sure you won't hit someone moving the other way,
or are physically much larger and can knock them off
their feet at competitions.
Secondly, go to great lengths not to make contact
with other couples. At competitions some people act
as if it's Grand Theft Auto, but don't be that guy. No
one likes that guy. As for socials, deliberate contact
is as bad as running around without pants.
Thirdly, generally dance until the music stops. If you
are socially dancing you may politely excuse yourself
if you are tired, if competing you had better need an
ambulance.
Finally, walk the lady onto the floor with your right
hand, and gently place her where you wish to com-
mence before taking positing yourself. When leaving
the floor offer your right hand again, and walk calm-
ly off the floor, even if something went wrong.
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Attire
Buy proper suede-soled ballroom
shoes before anything else.
For social dancing, dark pants
and any decent long sleeve
shirt will do (you can wear a
bowtie and/or waistcoat if
you're
particularly
adven-
turous), and skirts are generally
knee length or longer.
For competitions where cos-
tume is not allowed see above
recommendations. Otherwise
the outfit is the full tail suit for
men and a ballroom gown for
ladies. These outfits are comi-
cally expensive, but an abso-
lute must if you want to look
like you own land and title.
Competition ball gowns are al-
so spectacularly expensive, so
start saving those pennies or
learn to make one yourself.
Q: What's a dance style you can't imagine yourself dancing to?
Michael Hayes: Honestly can't imagine a style I wouldn't try given the chance,
but I guess African tribal dancing is so niched I'm unlikely to do it.
Q: Is there a song that you secretly like to dance to, regardless of its genre or
style?
Taryn Clydesdale: That stupid moped bike
song—I sing and dance to it
stupidly every time it comes on.
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A: What’s your favourite dance movie and why?
Laura Gillespie: My favourite one
Bridget White: Dirty Dancing! It’s one
would probably be ‘Mao's Last Dancer’,
of the most iconic dance movies of all
because it was a lovely movie with a lot
time with great music and amazing
of interesting insights into different cul- moves. Not gonna lie, always wanted to
tures and their interpretations of dance, do that lift, looks so epic!
and I liked how dance brought people
together in it.
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