Keeping Your Dance Card Full

Okay ladies, so you've taken the lessons, you've got the shoes, the dress...you head out anticipating a night of dancing, and you end up sitting on the sidelines. What's wrong with this picture?

Believe it or not, this has happened to all of us at one time or another. I am known to get my hopes up of a night of crazy dancing, only to sit out all the good songs. Then I go home defeated and upset. How to combat this? How do you keep your card full enough to how much you want to dance?

First off is expectation. Know what to expect. If you don't get to dance much, its okay, enjoy the music and meet some people. Well that's what my partner says :) Do not go out expecting to be the belle of the ball and have a line waiting for her. Do expect to say hi and be cordial to other people at the club and introduce yourself. You may have better luck if you get to know the guys at the club.

Second is all about Attitude! SMILE! Even if your feet hurt, you are hot, cranky, PMSing. Look like you are having more fun than everyone. This will attract people that want to have fun too. Make eye contact. Do not hide against the wall and look down sullenly. DO NOT say no when asked to dance the first time by ANY guy. Other guys see this and will not want to approach to be shot down. Look at it from their point of view, they have to get the courage up to ask you, and you blow them off. Now if you give them a shot and they hurt you, or disrespect you, then you have the right to say no to a second dance.

Third is show them what you have. Ask a guy friend to take you out so the other dancers can see that you are capable. Knowing that you can dance and look good doing it, will make you stand out a bit more than the wallflower. Make sure to dress the part as well. Do not wear clothing that will impede your dancing, such as shoes that you cannot reasonably spin in. This doesn't mean you have to bring your dance shoes, but make sure to test them out before hand. We are all guilty of wearing a dress that doesn't stay put when you move. So test that out too, or tape the hell out of it, or wear shorts underneath even.

Some other things to consider - not all guys are looking for the same in a dancer. Some guys only want experienced girls, or inexperienced girls. You may never dance with ever guy at the club. Also if the ratio is more girls than guys, switch venues. If there are not a lot of girls that can dance, then your chances are higher.

Also - hygiene is huge! Guys don't like girls with bad breath, or I even heard of hair that smells bad. I have considerably short hair, so I don't know about this first hand, but if your hair is longer it will end up in his face at some point. Another important but often overlooked component is alcohol. Do NOT be the sloppy drunk girl, that is no fun to dance with.

The biggest part about social dancing is that it should be FUN! If you are not going out to have fun, stay home. Following these tips should help you to be asked more. If all else fails - ask the guy - take control of what you get to dance. He'll thank you for taking the pressure off of him!