Code of Conduct

The most popular dancers are often the ones who have a deep connection with other dancers and respect for their community. To make dancing together a pleasure for everyone onvolved, here are a few tips:

Dancing together
 

  • Ask your dance partner politely if they would like to dance and don’t just offer your hand.
     
  • If you turn down an invitation to dance (which is perfectly OK), wait until the next song, if possible, before dancing with someone else.
     
  • Dancing with each other always involves looking after each other. Always make the other person feel comfortable and safe.
     
  • Eye contact and a smile are invaluable while dancing.
     
  • Swing dancing always involves creativity and improvisation. Things can sometimes “go wrong”. Apologies are not necessary, unless you were too creative and hurt your dance partner ;-). Keep in mind: “less is sometimes more” – don’t overchallenge your dance partner.
     
  • Social dance is not a lesson, so please do not give unsolicited feedback or a “lesson” – however, it is always appreciated if you let your dance partner know that you liked a move or idea.
     
  • End your dance with a smile and a friendly “thank you” and, if possible, leave the dance floor together with your dance partner.
     

Safety
 

  • The more crowded the dance floor, the more careful and smaller your movements should be.
     
  • It is obvious that aerials and jumps should not be done for the same reason.
     
  • Pay attention to what is happening behind your partner’s back and stop him/her if a collision is imminent.
     
  • Due to the risk of injury in Lindy Hop, avoid wearing shoes with hard/high heels (applies to both followers and leaders). If you do wear heels, please dance even more carefully!
     
  • If, despite all caution, you do collide or kick someone, apologise – regardless of who is “to blame” – and take care of the other person if he/she is in pain.
     

Physicality
 

  • Lindy Hop is sweaty, so please use deodorant, change your top in time and always have a towel with you.
     
  • Make sure you have fresh breath.
     
  • A shower after dancing is refreshing and invigorating; however, such a fresh aura is also priceless already at the beginning of the training or dance event.
     

Learning from each other during practice session
 

  • Please give feedback politely and avoid a lecturing tone.
     
  • Phrases such as “it would make it easier for me if…” or “I get …” can be helpful.