How to treat Dance Instructors, DJs, Hosts --nicely

Dance Instructors
When you're taking a group class, pay attention. This isn't time for you to be social. Even if you don't care, the others in the class are there to learn. So please help them by remaining silent and paying attention unless you've got a question. Asking questions, by the way, is a good thing as long as it's not done to excess. Remember: be considerate. Allow everyone to learn. If you're not getting it, even after the questions and lesson, consider taking a private lesson. Most of us go through a blend of instruction--group lessons and private lessons.

Dance instructors are professionals and you can expect them to be professional--to show up on time, to conduct the lesson as well as they can, to try their best to meet your needs. They often have tight schedules so you should show up on time, ready to dance. By the way, when you show up late, you may very well cause my lesson to start late. Be considerate.

If you've tried a private lesson and you didn't "click" with the instructor, try to figure out why. If you're sure you came with the right attitude and did everything to try and make it work (including discussing the situation with the instructor), then try another. There are a number of very well-qualified instructors and you can find one who will work for you.

DJs:The guys who play the music are trying their best to keep you entertained and play the best possible music for dancing. If you liked the music, put some money in the tip jar. If you didn't like it, consider a pleasant suggestion to the DJ if you think your taste in music is fairly representative of the dancers who are at this particular dance. In other words, don't expect your suggestion to play a lot of rap music to get much of a reaction if you're at a dance with a mature audience.

Hosts: We think you should thank them, even if you didn't have the greatest time in the world. They went to some degree of trouble to organize the event and deserve your thanks for that. Usually, there's an opportunity to be added to a mailing list and flyers at the host's table, which is an opportunity to find other places to dance. This is also a great time to tell them what you liked about the event. People respond to compliments. If you liked the DJ, the event, or some particular aspect of the dance, tell someone!

Next Tip

Trust us. This will make you a better partner!