How to Prepare for Social Dancing (Forró) - A Practical Checklist
- Rafael Piccolotto de Lima
- Jul 4, 2022
- 4 min read
Getting ready for the dance floor matters more than most people think
How should a partner dancer get ready for a class or a party?
What are the most important things to do before social dancing?
Does an outfit have an impact on our dance experience?
If you’d like a quick overview before diving into the checklist, I recorded a short video where I walk through these ideas in a more informal way.
Self-care, hygiene, and outfit decisions have a direct impact on how we experience the dance floor, and on how comfortable other people feel dancing with us.
In social dancing, connection happens in close proximity. Small details can completely change the experience.
So… make sure to:
1 - Take a good shower
This is the beginning: be clean and fresh.
We know that it is not always possible to take a shower immediately before going to a class or a party, but make sure you took a shower at least in the past 12 hours (and please remember to wash your hair properly, especially if you have long hair).
If you showered in the morning and didn’t have the chance to take another shower before going to a class or party, you can at least wash your face and neck in the sink, change your shirt, and/or use personal cleaning wipes (and be sure about the next item in this list: deodorant).
2 - Use an effective deodorant
This is key.
When we dance, we sweat. It is natural. But without a good deodorant, it will start to smell quickly.
Choose a deodorant that works well for you and lasts for the entire class or party.
A note on sweat:
Some people naturally sweat more than others, especially during energetic dances, long events, or in crowded venues. That is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.
If you know that you tend to sweat heavily, consider bringing a small towel and an extra shirt. Changing into dry clothes during the event can make a big difference, both for your own comfort and for the people you dance with.
A little perspiration is expected in social dancing. However, most people would prefer not to finish a dance with their clothes soaked by someone else’s sweat. Taking a few simple precautions helps create a more comfortable experience for everyone.
If you feel excessively sweaty during the night, take a short break. Step outside for some fresh air, wash your face, dry off, hydrate, and return to the dance floor feeling refreshed.
3 - Add a pleasant scent (optional)
A nice perfume, cologne, or scented cream can be a pleasant surprise for your partner (I’m particularly obsessed with good fragrances).
A good smelling shampoo can play a similar role, especially for those with long hair.
But remember: fragrance does not substitute a good shower and an effective deodorant.
Most people are not pleased to smell strong body odor mixed with fragrance.
Also, be careful not to overspray. Strong or overly sweet scents can become overwhelming. Lighter fragrances (citrus or aquatic) tend to work better in a dance environment.
If you want to go deeper into how to choose a fragrance that works well in a dance environment, I wrote a more detailed guide here:
4 - Clean your mouth
Good mouth hygiene is just as important as a shower and deodorant.
Brush your teeth, clean your tongue, and use dental floss.
5 - Hydrate and eat something not too heavy
Good hydration is not just good for your health. It also helps reduce bad breath.
6 - Have a mint handy
This is a useful backup.
Even with good hygiene, after dancing and hours without eating, your breath may not stay fresh. A mint can help.
(I usually bring mints for my students during group classes, and I often have one or two myself during parties.)
7 - Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move well
Avoid clothes that restrict your movement or make you feel self-conscious about how you move.
8 - Wear clean clothes
Smells can also come from your clothes, even if you are clean.
Do not ruin that fresh feeling from your shower and fragrance by wearing clothes that are not fully clean.
And by clean, I mean: not previously worn.
Also be careful with jackets, hats, and scarves. These are often overlooked and can carry unwanted smells.
9 - Wear comfortable shoes that allow you to dance for a long time
Shoes that do not grip too much are important to protect your knees and ankles, and to allow you to turn more easily.
Avoid very hard shoes or high heels.
10 - Remove hard or sharp items
Avoid anything that may hurt your partner or get in the way.
No objects in front pockets. Avoid large belts, big necklaces, bracelets, or anything that can scratch or create discomfort during the dance.
11 - Put yourself in a good state of mind
You are about to dance forró.
Enjoy it.
Final thought
Good preparation is not just about appearance.
It is about respect.
In close partner dances like forró, your presence directly affects the experience of the person dancing with you on the dance floor.
If you’re curious about how connection is perceived on the dance floor, including what makes people want to continue dancing with someone, this article explores that in more depth:
If you are just getting started and want to know what your first class experience might look like:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rafael Piccolotto de Lima is the Founder and Educational Director of Forró New York, as well as a Latin Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and music director.
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