En person sidder på hug og smiler til kameraet, mens en anden person springer højt over dem, så kun deres ben og fødder er synlige. De er udendørs i nærheden af en dam, på en asfalteret overflade.

Etiquette & Hygiene on the dance floor

Social dancing puts us close together. Close enough to smell each other’s shampoo, feel each other’s hands, and share the same air for three minutes at a time. A few small habits make the whole evening better for everyone around you. None of this is about being formal or stiff; it’s about being a dance partner people remember warmly.

Hygiene

  • Shower the same day if you can, and put on fresh clothes. A worn t-shirt from yesterday’s class smells stronger than you think.
  • Use a mild deodorant — and potentially reapply before class if you’ve had a long day (but only if it’s a mild one). Many comments and complaints are about people having too strong of a scent.
  • Bring a spare shirt for evening classes and socials. And if you sweat a lot – then maybe bring a couple. Changing into something dry between dances is a small thing that everyone notices.
  • Have a mint or two in your pocket. Coffee, garlic, and onions linger.
  • Skip strong perfume and cologne. A little is lovely; a lot can give your partner a headache for the rest of the evening. Many dancers are sensitive to scent.
  • Trim your nails and check your jewellery — sharp rings, bracelets, and watches can scratch a partner’s hand or arm.

On the social dance floor

  • Ask, and accept a “no” gracefully. Anyone is allowed to decline a dance for any reason, and it’s never personal.
  • Dance to the level of your partner, not above it. A good lead/follow makes their partner feel great, regardless of skill gap.
  • Keep your frame gentle. Lindy hop, balboa, and blues are connection-based — you don’t need force to lead or follow.
  • Be aware of the floor. Avoid big kicks and aerials in crowded spaces, and apologise quickly if you bump into someone.
  • Thank your partner at the end of the dance. A smile and a “thank you” is enough.

If something feels off

If a partner makes you uncomfortable — through their behaviour, their hygiene, or anything else — you’re always allowed to step away mid-dance. You can also reach out to us directly, and we’ll handle it discreetly. Our scene is built on trust, and we take that very seriously. You can either email us at info@swingshoes.dk. If you prefer, then you’re also welcome to reach out to a board member directly. You can find the names on this page: About SwingShoes.

A note on rotation classes

In most of our classes we rotate partners. That means everyone in the room will dance with you at some point during the evening. Treat the person you’re about to rotate to the same way you’d treat the person you came with — that’s what keeps a class feeling welcoming for beginners and regulars alike.

Thank you

The reason SwingShoes feels like SwingShoes is that our dancers genuinely look out for each other. Thanks for being part of that.