The American Lambada Organization Dance Floor Etiquette

1. Be inclusive. We do not discriminate when it comes to race, color, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, dance ability, physical or mental disability, or economic status.

2. Bathe before you go to dance and be sure you smell nice. Your body scent can be clean, natural, fresh, neutral - or with a mild scent. Avoid strong odor of any kind. This also applies to your decision to use or avoid deodorant; some people don’t mind smelling strong natural body odor and sweat, but most people do not.

3. Remember that some people may not like to connect with sweat-soaked clothing. Consider your needs and those of others. Some people may need to bring extra shirts to change into as the evening progresses.

4. Be cautious on a crowded dance floor. When other couples are dancing close by, movements that involve expansive arm movements are inappropriate while those involving strong head movements are downright dangerous.

5. In our field it is acceptable for a follower (male or female) to invite a leader (male or female) to dance. Be brave enough to participate as fully as you wish.

6. The most appropriate way to invite someone to dance is to approach them, smile, and ask politely. Jerking one’s head towards the dance floor from a distance may be acceptable among close friends, but it is not appropriate for a stranger.

7. A refusal must be graciously accepted. Try not to take it personally.

8. In refusing to dance with someone, you do not have to give a reason. But if you say ‘later’ or ‘the next dance’ it is important to honor that promise.

9. Do not try to correct or teach your partner on the dance floor. Instead, simply dance at a level that is comfortable for both of you, try to connect with the dance and the music, and simply experience the shared moment.

10. Be sensitive to the level of touch and physical connection that is acceptable for your dance partner. Some people are uncomfortable with close touch and need to dance with ‘daylight’ between them and their partner. Never force closer physical connection.

11. Be aware of cultural differences and act sensitively. While many Brazilians may be comfortable with direct eye contact, or steps that involve close contact - or even a leader placing a leg between the followers’ - many people of other cultures are not.

12. While dancing, avoid the urge to sing along with the band.

13. Do not over-indulge in alcohol or in any other substance that could prevent you from being controlled and balanced on the dance floor. You cannot rely on your partner to keep you upright or catch you when you overbalance.

14. The dance floor is a Sacred Space. It is a thrilling place where beautiful movements and special connections can be created. Protect and respect it.

15. It is everyone’s job to bring good energy to the dance floor. Leave your ‘bad day’ at home.

16. It is everybody’s job to protect the dance environment, and to stop others from disrespecting it. If you see someone bringing a bottle or glass onto the dance floor, dancing in an uncontrolled fashion, being coercive or otherwise mistreating their partner - speak to the organizer - who should take steps to stop this.

17. Respect all styles. If you feel you are not getting enough music that you like to dance to, politely speak to the organizer or DJ and make a request. If this is not forthcoming, you will have the choice to avoid attending next time. Or to start your own dance party!