‘Basic Principles and Requirements for Effective Leading & Following’

Posture
The body’s frame is more akin to ballroom dancing (upright posture) rather than the Lindy/swing bent over posture. The shoulders, generally, remain on the horizontal with the head held straight. You appear to lift and carry rather than push and tug your partner—YOU GUIDE AND GLIDE with a firm frame.

Leading Hand ‘OFFER’ (Initial Contact)
The standard ‘single’ leading hand (either right or left) has it’s own frame with the thumb 'resting' on the lady’s fingers. Don’t grip tightly to your partner’s hand (applies to both leaders and followers). At no time is there a ‘bounce’ of the hands to punctuate the beat of the music—keep the hand ‘steady’ and centred at the abdomen (applies to both leader and follower).

Moving forward or backward—Hands &Arms
As a movement is initiated—directional pressure is gently, yet firmly, applied with the leading hand by raising it (on the centre-line, up to chest height) so as to ‘push forward and down’ or when ‘pulling back’ (NO SEMI-CIRCLING). There is firm (not ’rigid’) tension / tone in the back-of-the-hand and wrist, the elbow is positioned ‘down & in’ rather than ‘up & out’

When moving forward or backward, the elbow does NOT lock out straight—a relaxed, bent, elbow is maintained. Ladies need to ‘mirror’ that energy by maintaining the same elbow positioning (the elbow does NOT ‘collapse’ backwards or lock out straight). There is firm (not ’rigid’) tension / tone in the lady’s upper-arm. The hands are lowered back to the central point. Tension in the leading hand/s is maintained until the lady is led into position and then relaxed when moving back away from your partner.

Moving forward or backward—Foot-work
As a dance movement is initiated: Gentlemen, as you apply 'forward directional pressure' to lead the lady to step back with her right foot - step back with your left foot (unless you wish to step forward and across the lady’s body-line with your right foot to change places e.g. wrap across (man spin) / step-across / shoulder slide etc, or when leading a 'side–to-side').

Ladies have ‘right-of-way’
Having initiated the move by stepping back with the left foot - The man needs to remove his front right foot, across his left, over to the left side (on basic, double-hand or right-hand moves) and then bring his back left foot up to the 'feet-together' position as the lady steps forward—right then left up to the 'feet-together' position (on a straight ‘track’) to join him on his right-side.

Turning and returning the lady
The men/leader ‘suggests’ a turn simply by raising the hand in front of, and above, the lady’s right shoulder (for a clockwise turn) or across the centre line, raising the hand in front of, and above, the lady’s left shoulder (for an anti-clockwise return).

The lady sees ‘an arch’ opening up and so follows the lead (the man does not force or manipulate the turning). The man keeps his leading elbow pointing towards the floor with his relaxed hand no higher than a few inches above the lady’s head during the turn. For the leading and following to be smooth—ladies MUST relax and allow their arm to be raised. On completion of the turn/return–the hands lower straight back down to the ‘centre point’ and directional pressure is immediately applied without bouncing, (to help keep the rhythm).

Respect your partner
Partner Dancing is not a solitary pastime. Part of the enjoyment is ensuring your dance partner is having fun, so let them know you're enjoying dancing with them with eye contact, verbal/facial appreciation and smiling. Try to adapt your dance style or moves to theirs. Choose moves appropriate to the level of your partner (this comes with experience). Always consider your partners safety, this can mean checking before you throw in seducers or moves that might cause discomfort if not performed smoothly and correctly. Be considerate - shower before dancing and make sure you smell fresh, take spare clothing for frequent changes if you get hot, and freshen up often during the evening.

Respect those around you
If the dance floor is crowded be sure to choose your moves and flourishes with consideration to those around you. Mid-dance collisions are to be avoided—if they do occur, say “sorry” even if you think you were not the one at fault. If you feel someone is behaving inappropriately or inconsiderately, please notify a member of staff.