DANCE FLOOR ETIQUETTE should be viewed as a way to better utilize the dance floor so that everyone has fun. Being polite on the dance floor is more than saying "I'm Sorry" if you bump into someone. The dance floor should be treated with care. Drinks, food, cigarettes and chewing gum should never be brought onto the dance floor. Dancers should move around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction (CCW). This is generally referred to as the "Line of Dance". Avoid travelling against the LOD (Do not travel clockwise around the dance floor).

The dance floor is usually divided into lanes, with the outside lane being described as the "FAST" lane. The fast outside lane of the dance floor is for progressive dancing. Progressive dancing is just as it sounds, it progresses without stops, including 2-Step, Triple-2 or Polka, and Waltz. Progressive dancers should move around the outside of the floor, careful not to cut the corners or cut in front of other dancers. Use caution with styling (extended arms and elbows) when the dance floor is crowded. There is also a "slow" lane just inside the outside fast lane. The inside "slow" lane of the dance floor is for Flow (pattern) Dances or stop and go circle pattern dancing. Flow dancers should be careful not to cut the corners or cut in front of another flow/pattern dance taking place on the floor at the same time.

The inside of the dance floor is for couples stationary dances (swing, cha-cha, etc.), all line dancing, and good ole Rock & Roll. Line dancers should form several shorter lines, avoiding extending the lines into the couples progressive and flow lanes. If the lines are getting close to these lanes, start another line, several short lines are much better than 1 or 2 long lines. Keep in mind that most line dances move from one direction to another and can interfere with couples dancing. If you see this is going to happen, shift to another line or start one of your own.

All dancers should take caution when entering or exiting the dance floor, this will help to avoid collisions. Line dancers should NEVER occupy all three lanes and prevent other dancers from taking the floor. Likewise, those in the fast & slow lanes should NEVER cut into the center of the floor when Line Dancers are present.

When Line Dancers are not on the floor then Swing dancers should take the center or, if the floor is not large enough, the outside corners floor.

Always be courteous to other dancers on the floor. If you are partner dancing always try to shield the lady from bumps and bangs on the floor. She probably can't see what's coming while you can! If there is a collision always apologize (even if it isn't your fault) this usually prevents unnecessary unpleasantness and often leads to the forging of new friendships. However, it isn't recommended that you make a habit of making new acquaintances in this way. If you collide with other dancers in a competitive environment you will be heavily penalized by the judges.

Men or Women with partners should ensure that both their first and their last dance is with his/her own partner. Common courtesy also dictates that if you see a lady without a partner you should, as they said in the old days, "mark her card" and take the floor with her at least once. If you do dance with a different partner, NEVER walk away from them after the dance has ended. Always walk them back to their seat.

In effect Dance Floor Etiquette serves to increase the available space of the dance floor. And once the dance is finished, if you are not planning on dancing the next dance, please clear the dance floor. Those long conversations on the dance floor while others are trying to dance around you are going to get you a few strange looks.