Conduct
External Resources
- 627 Stomp Code of Conduct
- Athen's Swing Night Code of Conduct
- Christchurch Swing Town Rebelz Community Guidelines
- Cat's Corner Code of Conduct
- Lindy Hopper's Etiquette by Swing it (formerly Holy) Lindy Land
- Mobtown Ballroom Code of Conduct
- Swing Dance Sydney Code of Conduct
Conventions
One-dance vs. Two-dance "rule"
In some parts of the world, people usually dance two dances together vs. one dance when they agree to a dance. There is no universally acknowledged protocol.
- As always, one can ask for another dance and one can always refuse a dance, but local custom exists
- North America: usual expectation is one dance
- Two dances appeared to be the norm in Europe (circa 2005? 1999?)
Specific Regions
Individual anecdotes, taken from online discussions if not referenced. + for multiple individuals)
- Barcelona: one dance
- Vienna: 50/50
- France:
- rarely
- common to ask for a second dance
- UK:
- was told by others two dances is the custom
- one dance (+)
- two dance
- In the past but not now (+)
- balboa: one dance
- Middle Eastern Europe: two dances
- Europe: two dances
- Germany: two dances
- Sweden: two dances (+)
- Herrang: two dances
- Finland: two dances
- Czech Republic: two dances
- Australia: two dances (++)
- Brisbane: one dance
- Perth: one dance
Potential Reasons (speculative unless otherwise referenced)
- Two dances where it is common to play two songs of the same style in the row
- Two dances from folk tradition
- Role imbalance - two dance would mean more dancing after waiting (but more waiting?)
- Foreigners may be excused for not knowing/adhering to local custom
- Two dances more prevalent among the dancers who started earlier
- Multiple dances in a row means being more connected with your partner
- One dance means no expectations, avoiding the people feeling entitled to dances from someone else
Variations
- Ask for another dance in the future
- Live music: Longer songs may also be considered equivalent to multiple dances
- One and a half dances - ask for a full song if only a small fraction of the previous one was danced
- One dance for "in-demand" people
- Ask for as many dances as you want
- See also: Lindybeige's rant on the two dance rule