Ballroom Dance Hygiene Etiquette: How to Stay Fresh, Confident and Partner-Ready on the Dance Floor

• Hygiene etiquette is essential for ballroom dancers. Read on for tips to keep classes, parties and private lessons fresh, inviting and odor-free.

• Discover tips for personal care, clothing and food choices that help you stay confident and considerate on the dance floor.

• Be part of a welcoming ballroom environment where everyone feels comfortable partnering and focusing on the joy of dance.

Hygiene is essential wherever people are exercising – smelling our best is imperative anywhere people intend to sweat. However, it’s especially essential in ballroom dance, where people are in close proximity to their partners and other couples on the dance floor. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure classes are open and welcoming; a fresh-smelling dance floor is an inviting dance floor.

Before attending parties, group classes or private lessons, make sure you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes to personal hygiene, clothing choices and food-related scents.

Personal Hygiene

The days that you attend class are not the days to skimp on body wash and shampoo. Be sure to shower regularly, and use your entire arsenal before class – this is a great time to reapply deodorant or spritz some body spray!

However, don’t go too far in the other direction. Some people are sensitive to all smells, even good ones, so don’t overdo perfume, cologne or scented hair styling products.

Clothing

The studio is no place to literally air your dirty laundry. Arrive at the studio in clean clothes, or bring a shirt to change into if you’re coming from work. Avoid tank tops and short sleeves to keep sweat contained and away from your partner – remember, many dances require arm-to-arm contact.

Finally, make sure the clothing itself is fresh. Mildewy scents from a weekend in the washing machine do not make for a pleasant partnering experience. Use foot powder in your shoes between classes if necessary. Working up a sweat enhances smells, so it’s essential that clothing is properly laundered.

Food

You are what you eat, but there’s no reason to smell like fish tacos or garlic alfredo sauce. Brush your teeth or chew gum before class, and be cognizant of what your clothes might smell like after dining out or cooking.  

Many dance studios offer gum and mints at lessons and parties. Don’t be shy! They’re for everyone.

Ballroom dance is a fantastic way to exercise, use your brain and find a new community. Help make everyone’s experience as enjoyable as possible by leaving the smells at home.

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