ETIQUETTE -- for Steppers

The culture and rudiments of Chicago Steppin' require the dancer to familiar with and protect the integrity of the dance. Take the genre of Steppin' that originates from Chicago, Illinois, seriously, including learning the art of the Steppers' Ps and Qs on the dance floor (see video below or click on link). 

Ps and Qs TIP -- ALWAYS, always, Always: Let the Gentlemen LEAD; Ladies follow....

"Does your dance [instruction] lead you back to Chicago?" -- Kelly D. Roberts

DOs -- for Gentlemen

1. The male has to have a good lead 
2. The male should be able to bring the women into his arms ever so gently and be manly at the same time 
3. Your main focus should be KNOW-ing your basic 
4. Again, Strive to become a strong lead 
5. Understand where your partner is at all times, and 
6. Avoid moves that your partner cannot do: dance to the level of your partner. 
7. Never blame your partner for missteps! Say, "I'm sorry that was me". 
8. Dance with a smile and have FUN! 
9. Ask four different Ladies at each table to dance. Rotate to the next table after 4 dances. 
10. Be considerate of other couples on the floor. Exercise good floor vision and protect your Lady. 
11. Do not cut other couples off during execution or traveling.. 
12. Stationary dancers (.e.g. in place dancers) stay in the middle; traveling dancers move on the boundary along the line of dance. 
13. Be warm and personable--and be nice. 
14. Say, "I hope you will dance with me again!" 

DOs -- for Ladies

1. The female must accept being very submissive 
2. The female MUST be BALANCED on the balls of her feet 
3. She needs to be ready for WHATEVER 
4. FOCUS on mastering your basic 
5. Learn to watch your partner from shoulder to torso, so that you can understand his movement 
6. Do not lead the dance: let the gentlemen lead you into the moves and you follow his lead. 
7. Do not attempt to guess the next move you think he is going to make. 
8. FOLLOW the gentlemen without pulling, hunching shoulders, or crossing the leg while stepping back. 
9. Become a good follower with anyone, no matter what HIS style is, and 
10. Today's male beginners will be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice to them and dance with them. 
11. Dance with a smile and have FUN! 

-- Invite Brothers to COME to CLASS -- 

DO NOTs -- for Both

• NO instruction on the social dance floor. Save it for the class setting. 

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Additional Reading:  

                     TAKE A LOOK:  Good reading!!

Cynthia Shanks' Etiquette REMINDERS. 

Click on the link for additional pages.