Step-by-Step

Folk dancing etiquette

Introduction to basic Israeli dance steps

Folk Dancing Etiquette
by Ken Avner

[Note: This article has become the “Magna Carta” of etiquette. Ken Avner is a dancer, teacher, group leader, and DJ extraordinaire at sessions and workshops throughout the U.S. ]

Important news for folk dancers ...

Folk dancing is a wonderfully social activity, which also means that it has its own peculiar set of guidelines. Whether you're new to Israeli folkdance or a seasoned veteran, everyone enjoys dancing more when a few, easy-to-follow Folkdance

Etiquette guidelines are as follows:

During teaching:

• Keep quiet, or go outside to talk.
• Don't "correct" the teacher during teaching, but please offer your comments later.
• If you already know the dance being taught and have nothing else to do, relearn it. This gives people learning it for the first time more feet to watch.
• Some songs have more than one dance, and some dances are done differently in different places. For the sake of those learning a dance for the first time, save alternate versions for open dancing.

During dancing:

• Follow behind the circle if you don't know a dance or can't keep up. You'll have a clearer view, and the folks who do know it will be able to dance it.
• Make one or more circles (instead of spirals or several semi-circles) unless the dance really is supposed to be like that.
• Don't join at the front of a line.
• Holding hands in a circle while dancing is common, but no longer universal. Each session has its preference.
• Don't squeeze in where there's no space - find a less crowded part of the circle or ask people to make room.

Couples dances:

• Anyone may ask anyone to be a partner, put please don't be offended if you're turned down - maybe s/he doesn't like this dance, has already promised it to another partner, or is just tired.
• Let your prospective partner know ahead of time if you don't know the dance.
• It’s bad form to turn down a request to dance, then accept another offer for the same dance.
• Eye contact with your partner is good, penetrating glares and leers are bad.
• In many sessions, couples dances are done in "sets" of 2 or more dances in a row, so be prepared to stay with the same partner for several dances. Don't leave your partner in the middle of a set (without a reason!), and don't "cut in" on another couple.
• Unless you've both agreed ahead of time to dance all or most of the evening together (which is perfectly OK), don't monopolize a partner; give him/her and the other dancers a chance to circulate.
• "Booking ahead" (reserving a partner before the couples dance / set comes on) is considered rude in some communities, accepted elsewhere, and required in others. Know the local protocol.

In general:

• Phrases like, "Please", "Thank you", "Excuse me", "Do you mind if I ...", etc. really do make a difference, and may be freely distributed both to other dancers and to those running the session.
• While folkdancing is a very social event, some fanatics really show up mostly to dance. So don't be offended if one excuses him/herself quickly in the middle of conversing to dance.
• Some sessions have dress codes / guidelines, some dance floors require special shoes; check ahead.
• Good hygiene is always in style.
• Be aware of others standing / dancing near you.
• Learn the names of the dances you like and request them.
• The instructor's equipment is often expensive and breakable, and is not public property. Please don't touch it!
• For that matter, please be gentle with the dance space in general (unless it's your own home).
• Offer suggestions, comments, likes, and dislikes. Constructive feedback is better, but be sure to make your feelings known.
• Don't get discouraged, try stuff you don't know, smile once in a while, and have fun. That's why you're here.
• What it all comes down to is this: Remember that everyone here came to have a good time, and whatever you can do to make it a more enjoyable evening for everyone makes it that much better.

Copyright (c) 1999, 2000, 2001 Ken Avner. All rights reserved.
Permission is granted to make and distribute printed copies of this article non-commercially (download Acrobat pdf file / get Acrobat viewer). The author reserves the right to electronic versions of this article, and non-electronic copyrights are granted on the condition that the article is reproduced in its entirety and without any alterations, including the copyright notice therein contained.