Dance Etiquette & Guide to Level Progression: Dance Foundations, Core Moves & Additional Tips

Dance Etiquette

Personal Hygiene

  • Wash hands or use sanitizer at check-in

  • Wear deodorant before class (reapply if needed)

  • Bring a towel or spare shirt if you’re a heavy sweater 😅

  • Freshen up with a mint or brush teeth before class

Other Considerations

  • Avoid arriving intoxicated to dance classes or parties.

  • Follows, please avoid wearing large or sharp jewelry that could cause discomfort or injury.

On The Dance Floor

  • During freestyle, walk around the edge of the floor—not through the middle where others are dancing.

  • Don’t teach moves unless your partner asks. If they don’t get it right away, move on to the next one.

  • Leads: Avoid lifts unless your partner agrees and there’s plenty of space. Always ask before leading dips, leans, or drops.

  • Follows: Let your partner know if you’re uncomfortable with dips, leans, or drops.

  • Stay aware of your space and those around you.

  • Don’t be shy to ask someone to dance! If they say no, smile and ask someone else. A good way to ask is: “Are you dancing?”

Dance Foundations

Our dance foundations for Modern Jive are chosen to make sure that you are able to have the best dance possible while making sure your partner is safe

Safety
Prioritise safety for your partner and others nearby.

Connection
Build a comfortable, responsive connection for smooth partner interaction.

Frame & Posture
Maintain balance and control through good posture and frame.

Timing & Footwork
Step to the beat and start on the correct foot.

Most importantly… Remember to have fun, be safe and dance your socks off!!!

Learn All The Core Beginner Moves

These are our core beginner moves to lead or follow clearly. We’ll also teach additional non-core moves each week.

Accordion

Basket

Catapult

First move

Loop throughs

Hook spin

New yorker

Manhattan

Slide break

Shoulder block

Step across

Yoyo

Wurlitzer

·     

Extra Tips And Tricks To Accelerate Your Dance Progress

Practice Makes Perfect
Make the most of our Monday and Thursday classes to sharpen your skills.

Beginner Review & Video (Private Use Only)
Right after the beginner class, head to the back of the hall to film the moves you’ve just learned. Teachers and helpers will be available briefly for questions and technique tips.

Freestyle Dancing
Stick around after class to dance with different partners—leads and follows, don’t be shy!

Additional Tips

  • Practice at home

  • Attend classes regularly

  • Book private lessons for focused learning

For Intermediate & Beginner Plus Dancers
Keep attending the beginner class—it’s great for refining your basics and supporting newcomers.

To Level Up: Ask One Of Our Instructors For A “Progress check”

If you believe that you are able to demonstrate all the key points below, ask you Instructor for a "Progress check”. For a progress check, You will have a dance during freestyle to confirm if you are ready to progress. They’ll assess your skills based on you ability to demonstrate the Dance foundations and may provide feedback.

Remember, even after leveling up, attending the Beginners class is essential to continue strengthening your foundations.

Progressing From Beginners (Level 1) To Beginner Plus(Level 2)

Beginner Leads & Follows

Should be able to lead or follow core beginner moves while demonstrating

  • Safety

    Leads: Keep your partner safe—no yanking, rough leading, or unsafe movements on/off the slot.

    Follows: Avoid leaning back past your center of gravity to keep balance and Don’t anticipate moves; wait for the lead to initiate.

  • Connection

    Both: Use a light, waist-level handhold (no gripping or thumbs) and adjust for a clear, smooth lead/follow.

  • Frame & Posture:

    Both: Maintain balance and upright posture; start at the right distance to preserve frame/connection.

    Follows Maintain balance and turn on the spot (or close) during returns.

  • Timing & Footwork:

    Leads: Step to the beat with small steps - start with the right foot back, then left

    Follows: Step to the beat with small steps - start with the left foot back, then right

Progressing from Beginner Plus(Level 2) to Intermediate(Level 3)

On top of our beginner foundations and core moves, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following skills below and have a good understanding of safety whilst doing Basic dips, leans and more complex moves

  • Safety for Your Dance Partner

    Both: Dance to the level of your partner and ensure partner’s safety during dips/leans, using correct technique.

  • Connection

    Both: Maintain the correct distance from your partner during moves and Work on improving your dance connection.

  • Frame & Posture

    Leads:

  • Learn to lead with your body.

  • Be aware of the tone zone (as discussed in class).

  • After returning to the end of the slot, make sure your body faces your partner.

    Follows:

  • Be aware of the tone zone (as discussed in class), which will help you adjust your frame and posture during more complex moves.

  • After returning to the end of the slot, make sure your body faces your partner.

  • Timing & Footwork

    Both: Develop a better understanding of timing, including stepping to the beat of the music.