Attire
and Grooming
What to wear? You’ll move
your body around a lot, so wear something comfortable.
For ladies, fancy or casual—it’s your choice--a dress,
skirt or slacks or even jeans are all fine. Many ladies like
to jazz up their look with a sparkly or sexy top, but just make
sure you can move in it, and that your clothing doesn’t
get in the way or caught when your partner turns you. Depending
on the style of dance, you may even find yourself sweating! Dressing
in layers is the answer; when you get warmed up on
the dance floor, you can always remove your sweater or shawl.
For men, just make sure you’re neat, clean and groomed.
A word about personal grooming. You will have an opportunity to dance with different
partners, so please remember to attend to your personal grooming
before taking the dance floor. Courtesy toiletries are available
in the JDB restrooms to refresh yourself—mouthwash,
deodorant spray and lotion or aftershave. As a courtesy
to your partners, everyone should wash their hands
after using the restroom. Keep your breath fresh with complimentary
mints and candies that are always available at the front desk.
Dance Shoes
For your safety, no bare feet are allowed
on the ballroom dance floors. We do recommend
that you purchase dance shoes. They are specifically
designed for flexibility, comfort and moving easily
on the ballroom dance floor. Ask your dance instructor
or friends for recommendations on the type and
style best suited for your dance style pursuits.
Dance Floor Etiquette
Asking/Refusing a Dance. Be
aware that JDB welcomes dancers from all ethnic backgrounds
and nationalities, and many have customs or cultural
behaviors that you may not be familiar with. Sometimes shyness
or a reserved demeanor may be mistaken for coldness or unfriendliness.
A smile and a kind word works best to break the ice.
We encourage everyone to dance with others, but sometimes they
may not know how to dance that particular dance, or at least
not with anyone but their partner—or they may not speak or understand
a different language, or they’re just shy. Also, many
couples come with their partners and only want to dance with
them. If you are refused a dance, don’t take it personally. There
are plenty of other people to ask. Keep trying...
they’re
out there waiting for you to ask them.
What if I continually get turned down? Have
you checked your personal hygiene? You may want
to ask a friend to verify this for you. If you’re OK there,
it may be your dance steps or leading techniques are in need
of a little brush-up. Remember, dancing should be a pleasant
experience for you and your partner. Are your dance skills matched
to your partner? Partners should try to adjust to the level of
their partners. The man should ‘show
off’ his lady partner. If you’re out-dancing her,
holding her too tight or muscling her, stepping on her feet or
otherwise hurting her, she won’t want to dance with you.
Be a considerate partner, observant and respectful. Take a private
lesson (call JDB @ 510-436-9888)
or group lesson
and learn to lead your partner like Fred Astaire!
Common Courtesy in Navigating the Dance Floor. We
all share the ballroom dance floor, and like the
freeway, must be considerate of others and share the space around
you, lest you have a collision. If the dance floor
is crowded, use your good common sense and don’t be
a ballroom bully. Don’t “take over” the dance floor
with your International Waltz or other aggressive, demonstrative dance steps,
or while doing your Rumba, extend your arms so fully outstretched that you
hit someone. A collision is always unpleasant and interrupts everyone’s
timing and concentration. If you DO have a collision, apologize. Men: As
leaders, it is your responsibility to keep your eye on the floor traffic
and use your peripheral vision to keep your dance partner away from others
while moving down the line of dance. However, occasionally the lady
partner will need to warn her partner of an impending collision when the
leader’s back is to the line of dance.
Other JDB policies
All individuals dance and otherwise
utilize the JDB facilities at their own risk. Keep
in mind that the JDB facility is for the enjoyment of social
dancing, so we do not allow lifts, flips or other risky moves
that may cause injury to you or others. For your safety, no bare
feet are allowed on the dance floors. No videotaping is allowed
without express permission of JDB management and dance instructors.
Music played during general practice time should not be monopolized
by individuals and will be determined by management if an issue
arises. All tickets, admissions, class fees, special
event admissions and other fees are non-refundable. JDB is not
liable for lost or stolen items or personal effects. JDB reserves
the right to refuse service to anyone.
Thank you for observing the rules of the JDB dance
floor.
HAPPY DANCING and KEEP SMILING!
