Reading Time: 2 minutes
A couple stepping. Photo Credit: Annette Newborn

This article is in response to requests from the gentlemen about etiquette on how steppers squeeze in on a crowded dance floor. Joining in and getting started on a dance floor, crowded or not crowded, is a situation that many men have to figure out in the Chicago Style steppin’ community in every city. Every city is different. I am going to put my neck out there and say floor etiquette isn’t really taught. It is something steppers learn as we go because some of it just seems common sense. Ultimately, the question is how do a man and his partner get on the dance floor without unfriendly bumps and offensive stares? My best advice for a gentleman to make it happen is in three steps:

Three Steppers Floor Etiquette Tips for Gentlemen

  1. Lead the way. A few times my partner urges me to go first to pick the spot on a crowded floor where I would want to dance. This moment for me is not the lady’s choice.  Gentlemen, please take charge and find the spot and lead me there.  Move quickly when you can and try to make it happen in the first 30-60 seconds of the song.
  2. When you find your spot on the floor, let your presence be known.  A friendly tap on the gentleman’s shoulder in surrounding couples, lets him know you are trying to fit in.  I see that when men do this, other gentlemen move to make the space as opposed to surprising him or his partner with a body bump and getting the cold stare.
  3. Own your space and dance. When you stand on the floor looking around and looking out for everyone, they will dance knowing you will look out for them instead of them looking out for you.  After steps 1 and 2, dance. Be polite, but own your space. Don’t use your body size to bully your way into a space on the dance floor. And, most importantly, go with the flow.  Dance in the same flow and direction as the rest of the couples closest to you on the floor.

Warning and my disclaimer here – nothing is ever black or white in floor etiquette.  It is a struggle in many places. We behave and dance differently everywhere. Try this advice for what works for the situation at hand.

Remember to join our Facebook group,  livingthe8count.com, A Chicago Style Steppin Community