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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

Counting

  • Most movements are either 8 counts or 6 counts
  • Dancers often count steps in sets of 8 counts
    • vs. musicians usually consider the music to be 4/4 (4 count)
  • Dancers will often start by counting "5,6,7,8" before starting on the first "1" of a sequence
    • Many movements are considered to start on the "8" immediately preceding the first "1"
    • Counting "5,6,7,8" attributed to Luigi Faccuito, "the father of American jazz dancing" in the New York Times article In Person; 'Never Stop Moving' April 15, 2001 by Mary Ann Castronovo Fusco.

...No longer leading man material, he found himself newly dependent on keeping in step with chorus dancers. Dominic Frontiere, a big-band musician, helped him perfect his timing by counting, ''1, 2, 3, 4.'' Mr. Faccuito would reply, ''ah, 5, 6, 7, 8!'' His habit caught on and is now a standard part of every dancer's lexicon.

  • Other variations: "ah 5, ah 6, ah 5,6,7,8", more rarely "1...3...5,6,7,8", or scatting/noises instead of the counts
  • Frankie Manning: "ah 1, ah 2, you know what to do"
  • Sometimes used (usually with shouting, noise) to indicate the entry of a new entrant to a jam circle
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