7 Good Manners for Israeli Dancing

We have some tips for you that will keep our sessions a warm and welcoming place. 

1.
Dance behind the line if you want to

If you feel you are getting in the way of other dancers or confusing them, because you don't know the dance—it's perfectly fine for you to step out of the circle and get directly behind a dancer who has clear footwork. 

2.
Don't give unwanted instruction 

Unless you are the session leader, think very carefully before you offer instructions to another dancer before, during, or after a dance. That dancer might feel you are getting in their business, or worse, they might feel you are criticizing their dancing. Other dancers will probably overhear you and it may ruin their experience, too. Doing the dance clearly is the best way to help others. 

3.
How to politely ask another dancer to stop calling steps

Is another dancer trying to teach you, and you don't like it? Here are some useful phrases: "Shhhhhh," "Please don't call steps for me," and "I need to just watch your feet."

If you feel more comfortable moving to another part of the circle, that works, too.

4.
Follow the leader

Whenever the leader is dancing in the center of the circle and you don't know the dance, follow the leader's feet instead of another dancer's feet. If the leader isn't in the center, try to follow a dancer across the circle or a couple dancers away from you. It's always better to be looking towards the center of the circle, instead of down towards the floor to your direct right or left.

5.
Be quiet when the leader is teaching a dance

It's very hard for the leader to hold the attention of the room when you are talking. If you are giving instructions, that splits the attention of the dancers even more. And imagine how hard it is for the leader to stay focused on the teach when they can hear people talking about the dance.

6.
Don't announce the dances

Unless you are the session leader, don't call out the name of a dance during the intro music. Let others enjoy the opening and discover what the dance is for themselves. 

7.
Women can do partner dances together. And men can too!

In partners there's a lead position and a follow position. It's perfectly acceptable for women to dance the lead position. If you decide to learn the lead position, you'll always have a partner! 

Let Donna know if you have any questions or concerns.