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35 Rules of Etiquette in Chicago Stepping on the Set

Iary Israel of Stepaganza

These 35 rules of etiquette for Chicago Stepping were authored by Iary Israel who believes teaching etiquette in the dance is equally important as teaching the dance itself. Etiquette contributes to you and everyone else having a great time at the stepper set and the dancefloor.

Written by: Iary Israel “Word of Mouth Entertainment” with inspiration from Don Vic, Black Mary, and Larry Collins.

Before You Dance

  1. Men escort ladies on/off the dance floor.
  2. Don’t walk in between couples when entering the dance floor.
  3. Don’t’ walk onto the dance floor in the middle of a song.
  4. The dance floor is not to be used as a walkway, so walk around the edges to get to where you want to go.
  5. Ladies should be just as inclined to ask men to dance also.

Flow and Positioning on the Dance Floor

  1. The edges of the dance floor are usually reserved for ADVANCED steppers, (i.e., Heavy Hitters and WALKERS).
  2. Don’t dance against the directional flow of the crowd.
  3. Adjust your dance space to fit the crowd on the floor.
  4. Don’t stay in the L position for long periods on crowded floor.
  5. Steppers on the Inside…Walkers on the Outside — meaning that Walkers move around the edges of the dance floor so they have the right-of-way as they are approaching so move out of the way.
  6. MOST IMPORTANT: MEN ARE TO ESTABLISH A LANE AND STAY IN IT. ADJUST the lane according to the crowd on the floor.
  7. Do not block the entrance/exit, take a drink or smoke onto, or stand and hold conversations ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

Don’t Hurt Nobody

  1. Always protect the woman from being bumped on the floor.
  2. If you bump into someone PLEASE say “excuse me”.
  3. Men are not supposed to SNATCH & JERK the ladies into moves and turn, give the ladies directional signals and slight of hand signals.
  4. Don’t attempt to TRIO on a crowded dance floor.
  5. Men do not try to execute intermediate/advance moves and turns on women that are not seasoned in the dance.
  6. Don’t try to execute difficult turns and spins on a crowded dance floor.

Steppers Always Play It Cool

  1. PERFECT YOUR BASICS…your swagger will eventually come as you become comfortable and your movements become second nature.
  2. PERFECT at least 10 to 15 moves along with your basics (remember that 10 to 15 strongly executed moves beat 50 sloppy ones).
  3. Don’t hound the DJ to play your song.
  4. The point is to have FUN on the dance floor, so if a mistake is made or a signal is not understood LAUGH it off and keep on steppin’.

Mind Your Manners

  1. Pay attention to the woman you are dancing with (smile & eye contact).
  2. Don’t attempt to cut in on a dance unless asked by the participants.
  3. If you turn a lady down from dancing, be sure not to dance with someone else on that same song.
  4. If you decide to ask to dance with someone who has a significant other present in ear or eye shot, please address them both when asking for a dance.
  5. Thank your partner for the dance at the end of the dance.
  6. If you reject a request to dance, do so politely and if possible, give the reason (i.e., tired, promised someone else first, etc.).

Remember the Lead’s Responsibility

  1. Steppin’ on a woman’s foot is a result of you staying in the lane too long or not letting her travel the lane.
  2. Men you are the leaders of this dance, so if a move you are trying to execute doesn’t work then IT IS YOUR FAULT.
  3. Observe the woman you choose to ask to dance with to get an idea of what level she’s at in the dance.

Manage Personal Hygiene

  1. ORAL & BODY hygiene is VERY IMPORTANT and should be monitored.
  2. SWEAT can be very offensive to ladies.
  3. Wash your hands several times throughout the set, particularly after using the restroom.

Teaching in a Social Setting

  1. NO TEACHING on the dance floor. If someone wants instruction at the set, take them to a corner away from the dance floor.

Let us have a good time on the set and enjoy getting on the wood. Remember to keep in mind these 35 rules of Stepping Etiquette.

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