1. When you dance, keep your body relaxed, with your weight held over the soles of your shoes, heels slightly off the floor. Point toes slighlty outward. Stand erect, not rigid.
2. Move in time to the beat, not the melody, of the music.
3. In order to be a good leader, do only those dance patterns you know well enough to do gracefullly to the music and without thining about your footwork.
4. Travel around the dance floor in a counterclockwise direction. When stepping forward, your right arm shoud be closest to the wall most of the time.
5. Always begin dancing on your left foot.
6. Hold your partner in front and slightly to the right of you. Look over her right shoulder to see where you are going. Lead with your entire body and your right hand, holding it against your partner's shoulder blade. LIft your elbows away from your body, keeping your left hand in line with your shoulders.
7. It is wiser to pause in position at the beginning of a new dance and check your timing than to start off on the wrong tempo.
8. Avoid awkward shifts in your pattern sequences by leading the same step at least two or three time in secession. Plan ahead and strive for smooth transitions.
9. Never count aloud, look down at your feet, or tell your companion verbally what steps you want to do next.
10. Practice makes perfect.