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DavidB
5th-July-2002, 11:44 AM
Originally posted by Franck
I wonder what the proper etiquette would be during a class when partners are rotated... Do you introduce yourself, do you say hi? Do you say nothing but smile? Do you run?
Do you find you have taken your partnerÕs hand immediately and then the teacher is taking ages to get started...
Do you comment on your partnerÕs progress?Introducing yourself seems to depend on where you are. You rarely get anything more than a smile in London, but I must have had 20 introductions in a beginners class in Edinburgh last year.

I always take my partners hand, and then try to politely let go when I realise the teacher isn't going to let us dance.

I never comment on my partner's dancing in a class unless she asks me, or has a really confused look on her face. But most people now seem to say in advance where they are having problems.

Other questions:
- When you ask a lady to dance, do you take her hand as you walk onto the floor. (Usually I do)
- Do you escort her off the floor after finishing? (I don't - most ladies seem to be immediately looking for their next partner, and escorting her off the floor just wastes time!)
- Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance? (Only if I know them)
- Do you expect to dance with someone for only one song? Or two? (usually 2)
- Would you ask someone to dance even if you hate the song? (No, but I am lazy)

David

John McAulay
5th-July-2002, 12:17 PM
One of the few benefits of taxi dancing is you get to know many of the new lady members
One of the down sides is I should remember more of their names :confused:

This is where I have to confess! :sorry
In the past IÕve given ladies nicknames :eek:
There was Bob the builder- this was a lady who was stronger than me and let me know it with her hard not to follow lead
Tigger Ð A lady who instead of travelling at the one level, bounced between the moves.
She now dances very well but to me she will always be tigger. Bob does not dance in Aberdeen any more. :grin:

To my point,:what:
It would be nice if people took time where possible to introduce themselves during rotation in class.:really:
When ever I dance with a lady IÕve met as a beginner, I complement their improvement where possible :wink:

John McAulay
5th-July-2002, 12:32 PM
DavidB questions:

- When you ask a lady to dance, do you take her hand as you walk onto the floor.
(Usually I do, easy way to start dancing is to throw her hand into a spin)

- Do you escort her off the floor after finishing?
(most times. unless I spot my next victim, then I thank them and pounce!)

- Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance?
(Yes, theres always time for women to talk about nothing)

- Do you expect to dance with someone for only one song? Or two?
(1 so many women so little time)

- Would you ask someone to dance even if you hate the song?
(No, dry off, get some water, but if asked will dance to anything, but only if asked)

I cant do the quote thing, so this is as good as it gets

regards:waycool:

Emma
5th-July-2002, 12:43 PM
Originally posted by Franck
Do you introduce yourself, do you say hi? Do you say nothing but smile? Do you run? :wink:
Do you find you have taken your partnerÕs hand immediately and then the teacher is taking ages to get started...
Do you comment on your partnerÕs progress?
Ooh...loads of questions! :nice: :nice:

At one of the venues I go to (in London) the teacher always reminds us to introduce ourselves. Consequently I got to know people a lot quicker. It was a surprise to go to another venue and find that the introducing wasn't happening, so I now try to make a point of introducing myself if I don't know the person. Sometimes people kiss one another. I knew I was a regular when I started getting kisses! (which I now think of as bisous, by the way...!)

I do always tend to offer my hand immediately..sometimes then I extract it if the teaching is taking a while, especially if it's being rubbed, which some men seem to do without realising. :really:
The only time I ever comment on someone's progress is if they say they having a struggle. Then I always try to say something encouraging.
-Do I interrupt someone's conversation to ask for a dance? Occcasionally, if I really really want to dance with them, and I know them :wink: .
-I only ever expect to dance with someone for one song, and consider it a compliment if I'm asked to dance for another one!
-I would hardly ever ask to dance with someone if I hated the song, but I would be very unlikely to refuse a dance because I hated a song.

Emma
5th-July-2002, 12:46 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay
- Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance?
(Yes, theres always time for women to talk about nothing)Whereas men, obviously, are always having IMPORTANT conversations about IMPORTANT stuff! :wink: :wink:

Amanda
5th-July-2002, 01:03 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay

(Yes, theres always time for women to talk about nothing)
OOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Amanda

Graham
5th-July-2002, 01:09 PM
Originally posted by Emma

I do always tend to offer my hand immediately..sometimes then I extract it if the teaching is taking a while, especially if it's being rubbed, which some men seem to do without realising. :really:
Yeah, right. Old chancers more like. :wink:

Obviously John is tired of living. :really: :wink:

Amanda
5th-July-2002, 01:18 PM
Originally posted by Graham

Obviously John is tired of living. :really: :wink: Why don't you come up to Culter on Tuesday Graham and see the fallout for yourself. It won't be a pretty sight.

John is going to be mobbed by a tide of women :what: .... And that's a promise. Put the date in your diary now.

Amanda

Graham
5th-July-2002, 01:41 PM
Originally posted by Lou
Actually - that's the most annoying thing ever. In class, when someone is always looking at the teachers & never looks you in the eye. :reallymad You should try leading to someone who is doing that (perhaps you have). As they ignore what you're doing and drift off in the other direction so they can keep their eyes on the teacher it can be really difficult not to say something like "Actually, you might find it a bit easier if you JUST FOLLOWED MY LEAD!!!!!" :reallymad :reallymad :reallymad

The other thing I find it hard not to point out in classes is when they follow instructions intended for the leader (eg making a signal).

Anyway, in freestyle I definitely prefer my partner to look at me at least occasionally. Pronounced avoidance of eye contact I interpret as meaning she isn't enjoying the dance, so I won't ask her again.

John McAulay
5th-July-2002, 01:45 PM
Tierd of Living - NOT

Mobbed by a tide of women- I can swim like a fish (bring it on)

Emma- Get a life - Blokes are too shallow to be bothered

Amanda- Are you testing our Friendship, by leading a revolt!

Next!

regards:waycool:

Steven
5th-July-2002, 02:04 PM
I couldn't agree more Graham although I often don't say anything.

Aberdeen looks like it could be lively tuesday!! :grin:

Cheers

Emma
5th-July-2002, 02:13 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay

Emma- Get a life - Blokes are too shallow to be botheredEh?????? Bothered in what way by what? *confused*:tears:

Emma
5th-July-2002, 02:15 PM
Originally posted by Graham

Yeah, right. Old chancers more like. :wink:Hee..yeah, probably, but I was being nice :wink:

I guess I should learn to quote two people in the same reply, then I could just post once...:waycool:

DavidB
5th-July-2002, 02:16 PM
Originally posted by Graham
You should try leading to someone who is doing that (perhaps you have). As they ignore what you're doing and drift off in the other direction so they can keep their eyes on the teacher it can be really difficult not to say something like "Actually, you might find it a bit easier if you JUST FOLLOWED MY LEAD
This should be slightly rephrased:
[I]You should try leading/following someone who is doing that. As they ignore what you're doing and drift off in the other direction so they can keep their eyes on the teacher it can be really difficult not to say something like "Actually, you might find it a bit easier if you JUST FOLLOWED MY LEAD/LED THE MOVE!!!!"

Unfortunately I would have to admit that the standard of following in Jive is higher than the standard of leading. Maybe we men should stop talking about important things, and just talk about nothing. It seems to help the ladies...

David

John McAulay
5th-July-2002, 02:18 PM
Aberdeen is always lively on Tuesday and Thursday with almost 100 dancers at each class.
With up to 20 extra ladies to keep you moving.
Its a great nightout you even get to dance with Amanda,
when shes there and not in a mood!:grin:
Regards:waycool:

John McAulay
5th-July-2002, 02:26 PM
Emma-
you had no problem with shallow!
but could not remember the link
'bothered about being interrupted whilst speaking and getting asked to dance by another'
does that fill in the blanks:rolleyes:
regards:waycool:

Graham
5th-July-2002, 04:53 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay
'bothered about being interrupted whilst speaking and getting asked to dance by another' I wouldn't be so sure, John. I think it depends whether they're talking to someone or talking:wink: to someone. I've seen people get quite upset at the prospect of getting dragged away from an interesting chat [-up] by someone merely wanting a dance. Even to the extent of turning down the invitation :really: :really: !!

Sandy
8th-July-2002, 09:16 PM
Originally posted by Amanda

John is going to be mobbed by a tide of women :what: .... And that's a promise. Put the date in your diary now.

Amanda Hey Amanda I'm with you on this and it will be so interesting to see Mr Cool keeping his head above water!:devil: Better bring along a couple of dozen shirts John (or is it swimming gear!), could get hot out there come Tuesday night and looks like your gonna be a very busy boy!:really:

:cheers: Sandy

Jayne
9th-July-2002, 11:11 AM
Gosh! You have been busy blethering while I was away...

sorry to take the thread back to its roots...
Originally posted by DavidB
Other questions:
1. When you ask a lady to dance, do you take her hand as you walk onto the floor. (Usually I do)
2. Do you escort her off the floor after finishing? (I don't - most ladies seem to be immediately looking for their next partner, and escorting her off the floor just wastes time!)
3. Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance? (Only if I know them)
4. Do you expect to dance with someone for only one song? Or two? (usually 2)
5. Would you ask someone to dance even if you hate the song? (No, but I am lazy)

David 1. I always offer my hand (usually because I'm finishing off saying something or having a quick drink but still want my partner to know that I intend to dance with them).

2. I'm afraid I'm guilty of looking out my next partner whilst leaving the floor... It's nice to be escorted off the floor at the end of the night though.

3. Only if I know them...

4. Usually for one dance - but if it was great I'll stay for one (may be two) more. (BTW - I tried Argentinian Tango and the rule there is three dances. Any less and it's considered rude!)

5. No. Usually escape to another room/foyer/outside for a break..

Jayne :wink:

Stuart M
9th-July-2002, 01:32 PM
The 5 questions as posed by DavidB:
[list=1]
When you ask a lady to dance, do you take her hand as you walk onto the floor?
Do you escort her off the floor after finishing?
Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance?
Do you expect to dance with someone for only one song? Or two?
Would you ask someone to dance even if you hate the song?
[/list=1]
And my answers:
[list=1]
As Franck teaches in the Style class, I try to vary the start of the dance. So although I'm usually in contact with my dance partner, it's not always holding hands...:what:
I don't often escort ladies off the dance floor - unless I want a chat or they're heading for a drink at the same time as me! I get dragged straight back up more often than not nowadays anyway.
I probably interrupt too many conversations, although how about this rule which I try to follow: if people are conversing whilst sitting down, don't ask for a dance. If they're up on their feet however, they should be dancin'...:nice:
I'd only ever expect one dance. However if it's been fun and the next record is similar I'm happy to stick around for another turn.
If you mean hate as in horrible beat/too fast and I'm knackered/too slow and I'm energetic, no. But if it's got a useable beat, I'd rather dance to it than have to sit listening to it...the music I like listening to most of all is totally undanceable anway...:nice:
[/list=1]

Graham
10th-July-2002, 01:59 PM
1. Yes. I find that this prevents confusion about where you're going, stops someone else grabbing you/her on the way, and allows you to go straight into the dance. Stuart - you must show me this move you've got which starts without holding hands. Is this something you can only do with "special" partners?? :really:
2. Not generally.
3. Yes, unless they look as if they have taken steps to avoid being interrupted (eg sitting behind a table), or the conversation appears intimate.
4. One. I will dance a second (or even a third) if asked, but rarely initiate this.
5. No. I will usually accept an offer, unless I know it is a hard track to dance to and I don't rate my chances of keeping a beat, in which case I would explain, and ask if we could wait for the next track. Occasionally I've had the problem of being asked to dance to a track which I know is too fast for my partner - should you offend her by pointing this out, or risk mutual embarrassment on the dancefloor?

Stuart M
10th-July-2002, 02:31 PM
Originally posted by Graham
Stuart - you must show me this move you've got which starts without holding hands. Is this something you can only do with "special" partners?? :really: Nah, it's just about starting by leading the lady out with her hands on your shoulders, or in a sway position, or in a walk move etc. Actually to be honest I don't do it much, but it usually has a bit of an effect, so it'll be happening more now (and of course now I've given myself a reputation to live up/down to...:really: )

Amanda
10th-July-2002, 02:54 PM
Originally posted by Stuart M
Nah, it's just about starting....BORING!!! I was hoping for some lairiness on the Forum...

Amanda

Stuart M
10th-July-2002, 04:03 PM
Originally posted by Amanda
BORING!!! I was hoping for some lairiness on the Forum...

What does "lairiness" mean? If it means what I think it does I've been the subject of enough of it recently! :wink:

Anyway, as to the "something you can only do with "special" partners", you'll have to ask her about that - via Private messaging preferably...:nice:

Alternately you could ask one of the new Forum members, who appears to teach a somewhat fruitier form of Jive in Australia, going by her website! :really:

Jayne
10th-July-2002, 04:30 PM
Originally posted by Stuart M

....you'll have to ask her about that - via Private messaging preferably...:nice:The question, Stuart, is which "her" should be asked, going by your recent activities revealed on the "I saw you" thread.... Does it depend on the "her" and does it change depending on which other "hers" are in the room?

:wink:

Jayne

Stuart M
11th-July-2002, 08:43 AM
Originally posted by Jayne
The question, Stuart, is which "her" should be asked, going by your recent activities revealed on the "I saw you" thread.... Well, Graham could ask the question of all those wonderful ladies I dance with, Jayne - but of course, only one of them knows the real answer... :wink:

Amanda
11th-July-2002, 10:24 AM
....is this a Glasgow thing? :grin:

Amanda

Franck
11th-July-2002, 11:41 AM
Originally posted by DavidB
[list=1] When you ask a lady to dance, do you take her hand as you walk onto the floor?
Do you escort her off the floor after finishing?
Do you interrupt someone's conversation to ask them to dance?
Do you expect to dance with someone for only one song? Or two?
Would you ask someone to dance even if you hate the song?[/list=1]Great thread and many interesting points have been raised. Here is my Tuppence to add to the debate.

1- As Stuart says, this will depend on the record played and my partner. There are so many different ways of starting a dance (and yes Graham, some where you do not hold hands or other parts of the body). In general though, if my partner is new or the record does not inspire me to do anything different, I will always take my partnerÕs hand and escort (lead?) here onto the floor. It is worth remembering that the dance start from the moment you ask your partner, and that you should therefore start leading / dancing while you are walking to your favourite spot on the floor.

2- Rarely, for the reasons mentionned above, though I sometimes wish I did, as it feels nicer :)

3- Of course, there is always time for talking after the night, in the pub ! Dance now, talk later. :wink:

4- Usually once, but if the record was too fast or too slow, I would offer to dance to the next track if it is suitable. If I am dancing with someone I have not danced with for ages, or that IÕm not likely to see again for a while, then I would take the opportunity to dance a few tracks with them while I can.

5- Yes, there are very hardly any songs I hate (or even dislike). I would try to match the song to the ability of my partner prior to asking though, and might suggest we wait for the next song if it is too fast for example...

Thinking of another question: Is it acceptable to chat while dancing? And if so, what are your favourite moves to talk to...
We have already established that most of us already sing to the track played ! :wink:

Franck.

Jayne
11th-July-2002, 05:11 PM
Originally posted by Stuart M
Well, Graham could ask the question of all those wonderful ladies I dance with, Jayne - but of course, only one of them knows the real answer... :wink: Good reply!

Jayne :wink: :grin:

Tiggerbabe
11th-July-2002, 07:26 PM
Originally posted by Franck
Great thread and many interesting points have been raised. Here is my Tuppence to add to the debate.

1- It is worth remembering that the dance starts from the moment you ask your partner, and that you should therefore start leading / dancing while you are walking to your favourite spot on the floor.Couldn't agree more Franck - you can have such fun before you even reach your dancing spot. I always do !!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally posted by Franck
Thinking of another question: Is it acceptable to chat while dancing? And if so, what are your favourite moves to talk to...
We have already established that most of us already sing to the track played ! :wink: Now here's the problem - I have found that if a guy wants to talk to you while he is dancing he invariably falls back on the 2 or 3 favourite moves that he can do blindfold ( or extremely tired - see other thread) - and these get repeated until the talking stops. NOT THAT I'M GOING TO CRITICISE :devil: When I am trying to lead - I don't talk - I need to concentrate as I don't know too many intermediate moves yet from the guy's viewpoint. I NEVER lead when I' being a lady, of course. :innocent: :innocent:

Graham
12th-July-2002, 11:44 AM
Originally posted by Graham
You should try leading to someone who is doing that (perhaps you have). As they ignore what you're doing and drift off in the other direction so they can keep their eyes on the teacher it can be really difficult not to say something like "Actually, you might find it a bit easier if you JUST FOLLOWED MY LEAD!!!!!" :reallymad :reallymad :reallymad
Sorry [he lied] to bore you with my ranting, but this happened to me again at a class this week, and I had a VERY hard time not commenting :reallymad. I can understand that people (including me!) want/need to look when the teacher is demonstrating the moves, as it can be very difficult to understand which way to turn, move etc, but this was right at the end of the beginner class when we were doing the full routine to music. My partner was apparently trying to dance by exactly copying someone else, rather than paying any heed to my lead (I'm not even sure it was the teacher, as she tried to do a completely different move at one point, but as I wasn't watching, I wouldn't know).

I know I should be more relaxed about it, but this really does put me off doing the beginner's class, and as has been discussed on another thread, it would be a shame to deny the other girls the chance to dance with me :wink: (okay, it wasn't those exact words :grin: ).

Graham
12th-July-2002, 11:56 AM
Originally posted by Sheena
Now here's the problem - I have found that if a guy wants to talk to you while he is dancing he invariably falls back on the 2 or 3 favourite moves that he can do blindfold ( or extremely tired - see other thread) - and these get repeated until the talking stops. NOT THAT I'M GOING TO CRITICISE :devil: When I am trying to lead - I don't talk - I need to concentrate as I don't know too many intermediate moves yet from the guy's viewpoint. I NEVER lead when I' being a lady, of course. :innocent: :innocent: Excellent point. My tendency to revert to repeated arm-jives/first moves is precisely why I never start a conversation while dancing. However, I've found that my partners quite often try to talk to me, and if I try to reply (assuming I manage to understand what they're saying, which is often tricky with the background noise and frequent instances of their head facing the opposite way) I can end up doing the same move over and over :sick: :sad:. Especially if I have to think about my reply :what:. So potential followers be warned: talk to me at your own risk! :wink:

flashy
12th-July-2002, 05:00 PM
I must say there is nothing worse than a partner initiating a conversation during a dance.... It's hard enough to concentrate on why the **** I'm gonna try next, without responding to idle small-talk. I find I have to actually stop my smooth and flashy flow of moves to enable me to hear her, and then it just goes on and on. For me, this really spoils the dance. Sorry to be harsh and I know it may appear rude, but I am just being honest.

What d'ya'll reckon? :confused:

John S
12th-July-2002, 06:38 PM
Actually I quite like it if the lady wants to talk to me during the dance (or before/after it). To me it means there's a bit of a connection there between the two of us, and I prefer that than just to think she's only dancing with me to be polite because I asked her. :o

Obviously it's difficult when doing a Double-handed Reverse Wurlitzer with Swizzle to discuss the intricacies of quantum physics or the impact of existentialist thought on postwar French literature, but surely there's nothing wrong with a few sentences about how hot the room is tonight etc???? :o :) :rolleyes:

Tiggerbabe
12th-July-2002, 08:28 PM
John, sweetheart, the room is always HOT when you are in it:yum:

filthycute
13th-July-2002, 01:55 PM
I quite like a little bit of chit chat when i'm dancing...but normally i'll only do it with people i know well, and who you know doesn't mind talking and dancing :D
I did draw the line at being asked "what do you think of the Aberdeen constituancy?" ...don't know if it's even spelt correctly, but what the hell do i care!!!! :what: Not exactly the kind thing you ask someone when your dancing:sick: But apart from that i don't mind some light conversation. It's nice to get a chance to catch up with people you haven't seen for a while or don't see very often :D Yeah ok, you might end up doing the arm jive for 40 counts but i guess thats the price you pay for a blether :p

filthycute x x

John S
14th-July-2002, 12:14 AM
Originally posted by Sheena
John, sweetheart, the room is always HOT when you are in it:yum:

Only when you're near me, sweetie.:wink:

Sandy
14th-July-2002, 07:34 PM
Originally posted by filthycute
I quite like a little bit of chit chat when i'm dancing...but normally i'll only do it with people i know well, and who you know doesn't mind talking and dancing :D
filthycute x x

I agree, I think some light chat while dancing helps create a nice friendly relaxed atmosphere and that helps me personally dance better. If it's straight onto the dance floor, no words spoken, no eye contact it can be a bit unnerving whereas a few friendly words can help put you in the mood if you know what I mean:wink: but as already mentioned, not a serious conversation!

When dancing with beginners I would always engage in at least a few words at the very beginning to put them at their ease but as concentration is so intense at that stage I would probably only utter a few words of encouragement and lots of smiles during the dance. Some people are naturally very shy and some are very gregarious, I guess you have to judge your audience as to the level of your conversation.

During classes i think conversation should be kept to a minimum, a few friendly words, as it is quite distracting having lots of chat going on while you are straining to listen to the teacher.

Cheers:cheers:

Sandy

Stuart M
15th-July-2002, 10:16 AM
Originally posted by John S
Obviously it's difficult when doing a Double-handed Reverse Wurlitzer with Swizzle to discuss the intricacies of quantum physics or the impact of existentialist thought on postwar French literature, but surely there's nothing wrong with a few sentences about how hot the room is tonight etc???? :o :) :rolleyes:
Since my current reading is a Georges Perec novel, I guess that means I'm restricted to discussing electron spin or complaining about why they never open the windows... :what: :grin:

Seriously though, the problem I find with holding a conversation is that you're not always facing your partner - the catapult is not a maneuver designed for a discussion. And for a softly-spoken gent such as me it makes the chat doubly awkward, what with the music to compete with. If I start having a chat with someone, almost inevitably I start restricting yourself to moves like armjives and first moves.:sorry

Plus there's that old chestnut about men only being able to concentrate on one thing at a time. In Ceroc there's already at least three things to think about:wink: , without having to work on conversation topics as well...my apologies for my monosyllabic replies, ladies :grin:

John McAulay
1st-August-2002, 12:58 PM
Originally posted by Sandy


I agree, I think some light chat while dancing helps create a nice friendly relaxed atmosphere and that helps me personally dance better. a few friendly words can help put you in the mood if you know what I mean:wink:
Sandy


Not a problem sandy, you know I always tell you when you start to lead

Regards:waycool:

John McAulay
1st-August-2002, 01:03 PM
Originally posted by Stuart M


Alternately you could ask one of the new Forum members, who appears to teach a somewhat fruitier form of Jive in Australia, going by her website! :really:


And the website would be http://www.???????????

I understand this was posted some time ago, but it caught my eye as I was catching up!

Regards:waycool:

Stuart M
1st-August-2002, 01:23 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay

And the website would be http://www.???????????

I understand this was posted some time ago, but it caught my eye as I was catching up!

Regards:waycool:
No, the website isn't http://www.??????????? That one doesn't work :grin:

You should become more nosy about the members who join the Forum, John :wink: - have a look at the website listed by "Deb".

Hello Deb, by the way, if you're looking in - bet the weather's better for you than it is in Glasgow (NOT difficult right now... :sad: )

John McAulay
1st-August-2002, 02:24 PM
cant find her where did she last post

regards:waycool:

Stuart M
1st-August-2002, 03:02 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay
cant find her where did she last post

Don't think she ever has (sorry about discussing you in the 3rd person BTW Deb) - click the members button, top right and you'll find her. Like I said, you have to be the nosy sort...:nice:
:cheers:

Sandy
1st-August-2002, 03:58 PM
Originally posted by John McAulay
Not a problem sandy, you know I always tell you when you start to lead

Regards:waycool: Hey John, I can always rely on you! Tuesday night was brill but I was aware that something was missing, eh a particular kind of wit:wink:

:cheers:
Sandy