Members join EIFD for a variety of reasons:

to socialize,

to maintain physical fitness, and

to learn about other cultures through dance.

Members represent a diversity of age & dance skill; from those that have danced for decades, to those who have joined for the first time.

The executive and teachers work hard to ensure that each dance evening can fulfill everyone’s goals. To this end we need to have respect for each person, their reason for dancing and their abilities.

Children are welcome with parental supervision ensuring that their children are not disruptive. For everyone's safety, children who are not participating in the dancing must stay out of the way of the dancers.

DRESS CODE

·      Wear what is comfortable for dancing.  Many people dress a little more formally for parties but it is not necessary.

·      Indoor shoes are a must, Soft shoes are recommended – they don’t hurt so much when you step on toes and are easier on the wooden floor.

·      Tie back long hair as it can flip into other dancers faces during turns etc.

·      If you perspire excessively, please bring a towel (or even extra t–shirts).

·      It is best not to wear large or sharp jewelry. They can hurt your neighbour when holding hands or can get caught up in others clothing or hair.

·      EIFD is a fragrance free club – no scents when coming dancing.

TEACHING

·      Everyone is encouraged to join in lines and circles during the teaching.

·      Our teachers are members that volunteer to teach each Friday. They use their own time and resources to prepare. Please treat them with respect.

·      There is no rate at which you need to progress. We learn at our own pace.

·      It is not necessary to learn every dance that is taught. We offer the dances as a smorgasbord, take what pleases you.

·      Please keep quiet while classes are being taught. This is respectful to both the teachers and the dancers who are trying to learn.

·      It is important to give the teachers your full attention. This helps you learn the dances more quickly and allows the class to progress faster.

·      You are encouraged to ask questions if you don’t understand something during the teaching.

·      Be punctual. We try to begin teaching on time and it is difficult for teachers when people are joining part way through teaching a dance. If you are late, please stay behind the line until the teacher invites you in or a new dance is started.

·      Do not correct the teachers while they are teaching. Teachers are doing their best and will likely make mistakes occasionally. Constructive feedback can be made in private.

·      Many dances have variations. To avoid confusing new dancers, only those being taught should be danced during the class.

DANCE ETIQUETTE

Dancers are encouraged to join any dances they know.

If you don’t know a dance: you are encouraged to learn behind the line/circle. You will have a better view of others dancers feet and will be out of the way of those who know the dance.

Join lines before the dance starts – this avoids interrupting your neighbor.

Open circle:  (line) dances have a leader who knows the dance well.

Join the open circle at the trailing end, which is generally the left hand end.

Closed circle: Join anywhere but be aware that some people come dancing together and would like to dance beside each other.

·      Know whether the dance is a line or a circle… it’s okay to ask!

·      Don’t automatically try to close lines into circles.

Short lines/groups:  Some dances are done in short lines or small groups – don’t be offended if you are excluded from a group; just form another group.

Hand Holds

·      Dances can be done with a variety of hand holds – W, V, T etc..

·      Note which handhold is being used and join accordingly.

·      Join lines and circles with dancers of similar height – this is especially important if the dance is done in shoulder hold or basket type holds.

·      Hold up your own arms and weight –

·      Not doing so is very uncomfortable for your neighbours and you may find that people will avoid dancing next to you.

·      Use a firm but relaxed handhold – but do not use a ‘death grip’.

Partners

·      Anyone can invite anyone to be a partner. You may decline an invitation, but it’s not respectful to decline an invitation then dance with someone else.

·      If you don’t know a dance, inform your partner before the dance begins

·      Don’t leave your partner in the middle of a dance – especially in a mixer. If you lose your partner, head for the centre where there will be another single who also has no partner.

Many people come to Friday evening expressly to dance. Do not be offended if someone cuts a conversation short to join a dance line or circle.

Control your enthusiasm – when you dance  DO NOT

·      kick high (unless told to),

·      take exceptionally large steps

·      flail your arms excessively

(The smaller the steps the smaller the mistakes – Marianne Taylor)

Folk dancing is a social activity

·      Smile; make eye contact; it makes dancing more welcoming and fun for all.

·      dance with the other dancers

·      interact with other dancers

·      This can’t be done while watching the floor.

 Requests

·      Everyone is encouraged to request their favorite dances. If you request a dance and it isn’t played that evening try again the following week.

·      Learn the names of the dances you like – this makes it much easier to request them later. Take a picture of the names on the whiteboard to aid in your learning.

·      Requests are not played in the order that they are requested. The Dance Director tries to balance the program with easy and harder dances, fast and slow dances and different styles and from different cultures.

·      Please limit your requests to a few dances.  This will leave room for others to request their favorite dances.