The following diagram illustrates the division of ballrooms and larger dance floors where two or more dance forms may be done simultaneously. Smaller dance floors are often shared by alternating dance forms song by song. However, the smaller floors still have progressive lanes and a center dance space. The following guidelines, adjusted somewhat, apply to them also.

The Fast Lane:

The first 3 to 5 feet around the edge of the dance floor comprises the "Fast Lane". It is set aside for the faster and usually more experienced dancers doing the 2-Step, Country/Western Waltz, Polka, Triple 2-Step, and other progressive dances.

The Slow Lane:

The next 3 to 5 feet bordering the "Fast Lane" around the floor is called the "Slow Lane". This lane is also set aside for the progressive dances but is used by slower-moving dancers (often beginners).

The Center Oval:

The Oval Center of the floor bounded within the "Slow Lane" is set aside for Line Dancing and/or Stationary Dancing (Swing, Cha Cha, Nite Club 2-Step, etc. If the dance floor is of ballroom size both stationary and line dancing may occur simultaneously. In that case the stationary dancers remain in the open space on either end of the center oblong.

Floor Division Etiquette:

This part is easy. Dance in the appropriate area and always be courteous. For help on some instances when there might be confusion, we have listed the following guidelines:

(1) If you are dancing a progressive dance slowly, stay in the slow lane and let the faster dancers pass you on the outside. The closer you are to the center the slower you may go.

(2) When line dancers are not on the floor swing dancers may take the center.

(3) Line dancers should never line up clear to the edge of the floor, thus blocking the progressive lanes or preventing other dancers from entering the floor. (An exception may occur on a smaller dance floor when the DJ calls for a line dance and the number of dancers fills the space of the floor.

(4) Conversely, progressive dancers should adhere to the rounded corners, staying with the general flow of dancers in their track and not cut off the corners.

(5) Occasionally when a line dance (or other dance for that matter) is so popular that it requires the use of the entire floor, then only that dance should be danced and it may then proceed to cover the entire dance area without constraint. (This occurs most often on smaller floors.)

(6) When dancing slotted dances in the Center Oval (West Coast Swing, Nite Club 2-Step, etc.), couples should attempt to line up such that all the slots are parallel. Usually each end of the slot points to the long side of the floor.