"It's the job of the leaders to make the followers look absolutely fabulous. It's the job of the followers to look like they're having the time of their lives."

Floor Etiquette, a.k.a. "On the Road Again" (Thanks Willie)

Okay. Imagine the Washington Beltway. Rush hour, only no accidents so things are moving along. That's our dance floor. And here's how we survive each other. Really it all boils down to two things: Common Courtesy and Common Sense. But in case we have to spell it out for you, here goes:

No fender benders, please, so drive carefully. Be courteous to those around you and know where you are going.

Accidents do happen. If there's a bump, exchange insurance, oops, I mean say you're sorry (we only accept no-fault claims) and keep moving on. If you're prone to road rage, check your guns at the door.

Don't be a lane changer, a lane hog, or take detours through the middle. That could really cause some accidents!

The state troopers will surely come after all hot-rodders and dangerous drivers, so don't even think about it.

We have two lanes for the traffic, but opposite of the real beltway, the slow lane (for those less experienced drivers) is on the inner track and the fast lane is on the outer track. Always go with the flow, and if traffic is piling up behind you slip on over to your left a bit. Use that inner lane so those skilled speedsters can get by on the right.

You wouldn't merge onto the highway, then stop while you change gears -- so get along little doggie. Merge, and Move it!

And hey, if you break down and need to stop, don't call AAA. Just try to pull over out of the flow until you can get going again.

If you're really not going anywhere, try driving downtown. (Swing and line dancers take positions in the center of the floor and off the "beltway".)

Pull off at your favorite McD's to eat or drink, and remember ordering it "to go" can get very messy. (Please, no food or drink, including water, in the dance space.)

Always pull all the way off the road to get on that old cell phone to converse. Nothing's worse than trying to drive behind someone who's talking instead of really driving.

Obey all special traffic signs. Others such as a DJ, may occasionally give direction about a dance to be danced. If so, please Yield the Right-of-Way to that particular dance.

Last but not least: Never use the reverse gear while driving on the beltway, not even if you're driving an old clunker!

For a map of the beltway, see our "Floor Division Page", and thanks for "driving" with us!

Social Etiquette, a.k.a. "Just Say Yes" (Thanks Highway 101)

Social dancing is most enjoyable when leaders as well as followers (hey, we're liberated) ask a variety of people to dance. It's just a great way to meet people and test your dance skills. And hello, it's just a 3-minute committment, so "Just Say Yes" when asked (unless, of course, you really are tired or you really don't know that particular dance.)

Make the dance fun by keeping the moves appropriate for the experience level of the lesser skilled dancer. And, unless they ask for instruction -- well, you know what they say about unsolicited advice. Same applies here.

Ever hear the expresssion "It takes two to tango"? Of course, we're more likely to be two-stepping, but the point is just that: it's a partnership. If there's an error, you're both responsible. So, don't argue about mistakes: just laugh it off and keep on truckin', er dancin'.

Now we know some of you come to the dances hoping to do a little cruising too, but we're mainly here to enjoy dancing, so keep your clothing and footwear, as well as your behavior, appropriate for the occasion. Don't make us send you to Dr. Phil!