Hi David,
I really enjoyed your response. The vision of squirrels scurrying around the dance floor made me laugh right at my desk.
I also seldom go out dancing socially for various reasons. When I do, and a high-level dancer asks me to dance, they usually offer me the choice of 'American' or 'International'. I always choose American (since it's a social setting), and they almost always say "We'll do a mish-mosh." These guys have fabulous floorcraft and control of their momentum using both styles. One dance with them makes my night.

When I teach new students, I always go over the basics of ballroom etiquette (walk the lady onto and off of the dance floor, never turn down a man unless you have a Very good reason, such as he's known to hurt ladies with a rough lead, or he's intoxicated). I also explain to them that there are different 'lanes' of the dance floor, like a roller-skating rink (I use that analogy on people my own age - the younger ones just stare blankly at me ha ha). The center of the floor is for stationary couples, i.e. those who are doing a slow swing to a foxtrot. Then the oval around them would be the American style dancers foxtrotting. The outside lane would be for the International style dancers or higher level American style dancers who are really moving down the floor. If the floor is big enough this works, but we've all been on a smaller floor where accidents happen. Luckily most people in my area (Northeast) are very polite, and all will apologize, no matter who caused the crash. Sounds nice, maybe I should go out dancing sometime soon....

[This message has been edited by weddingdance (edited 06-30-2000).]