Getting everything you can
out of dancing with the
Grand River Renegades

Dancing in a Sea of Cowboy Hats

Learning New Dances

• Give the instructors your attention when learning a new dance and don't be afraid to ask questions if you need clarification.



• Dance with a variety of partners this will not only help you become a better dancer but will also add to everyone's enjoyment. This is true for experienced dancers as well.



• Ask one of the more experienced dancers to help you review a line or circle dance you just learned but do it off to the side of the dance floor. Likewise, ask one of the more experienced dancers for a two-step, waltz, or swing but try it to a slower song first until you feel more comfortable.



• When dancing with someone for the first time, give yourself a little time to find each other's experience level, pacing and comfort in styling.



• Don't worry about making mistakes. Like most things, the more time you invest in learning the easier it gets and the more fun you will have.



• To help keep everyone moving along smoothly, you may need to modify the size of your steps depending on the tempo of the music, the size of the group on the floor, or the dancers around you.

Important Safety Tip

• For the comfort and safetly of all dancers please keep drinks and cigarettes off the dance floor.

Line Dances and Circle Dances

• With the Grand River Renegades, the DJ will generally announce the name of the next line or circle dance. Please do the dance that is announced.

• When doing line dances on a crowded dance floor its important to keep the lines straight to make room for all dancers, especially when doing more complex dances. Besides, it looks really cool when watching from the sidelines!



• Likewise, when doing circle dances with a large group you should make the circle as large as possible maybe even consider making an inner circle.



• To avoid confusion, it's usually best not to move from one line to another.



• If you have a favorite line or circle dance, feel free to make your request to the DJ.

Partner Dances

• Step out in style by deciding who will lead and who will follow before you get on the dance floor.

• Partner dances such as two-step and waltz move in a counter-clockwise direction around the floor. East and West Coast Swing do not move in any particular direction around the floor.

• On large dance floors, faster dancers will use the outer areas of the floor while slower dancers will use the inner areas and stationary dances (lines and swings) will be done in the center.



• It is the responsibility of the lead to know where the couple is going and to avoid collisions. However, follows should not be afraid to warn their partners of dancers that he/she may not be able to see.

How to Be a Grand River Renegades Ambassador of Good Will

• Invite your friends to join the fun. If they prefer not to dance, they are more than welcome to watch.



• Meeting and talking to newcomers and visitors goes a long way to making them feel welcome and more comfortable.



• Encourage new dancers to come to the Fun, Free weekly lessons.



• Express your appreciation to everyone who helped make your evening an enjoyable experience. This includes the bartender, DJ, instructor, bar owner, and your dance partners.

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