Basic Dance Etiquette for Restaurants With Live Music
Have you ever gone out to dinner and felt unsure if the venue you are dining at encourages or frowns upon dancing along? If a a restaurant brings in live music to entertain their guests, they most likely want you to enjoy yourself. For many people, that means dancing. However, before you kick off your shoes and swing your partner around your table, you should consider these basic rules for maintaining an atmosphere you and other diners can enjoy.
Utilize the Dance Floor
Most restaurants that offer dinner and dancing will have a designated dance floor. If you feel inspired to dance, you should make your way to the dance floor as opposed to dancing near your table. You may feel shy about being the first couple on a dance floor or simply want to dance for one song. However, this can cause issues for your servers, who will have to find alternative routes to deliver food to tables if you are in their way.
If a restaurant does not have a designated dance floor, you may notice that the servers avoid using paths between certain tables, making it an okay place to dance. Also, some restaurants only encourage dancing after a certain hour, when they rearrange the tables to create a dance floor.
If you are unsure of where or when you should dance, you should ask your server and they can let you know the best places.
Finish Your Meal Before Getting Swept Away by the Music
Dancing while you wait for your meal to be brought to your table can be a good way to pass the time. However, once your food has been brought, you should concentrate on enjoying your meal before you move onto the dance floor. Eating your food as it is brought ensures that it will be the correct temperature and taste its best. It is also polite for you to be at your table when your server brings your food so you can make any necessary adjustments or additions to your order.
Once you have finished your meal, you may want to move to the bar if you plan to stay and enjoy the music. This allows other diners to be served while you are dancing. However, if the restaurant is not crowded, you may be able to keep using your table. It is polite to ask your server if you should move.
Don't Bring Food or Drink Onto the Dance Floor
Dining and dancing can be a great combination, but if you bring food or drink onto the dance floor, things can get sticky quickly. Dropping food or drink on the dance floor creates a slipping hazard for other dancers. If you feel thirsty or your meal has arrived at your table, you should take a break from dancing and enjoy your meal or beverage at your table.
Feel Free to Show Appreciation for the Band
Most bands and musicians are paid directly by the restaurant and do not expect tips. However, it is considered polite to occasionally offer applause for the music, if you appreciate it. If the band does have a tip jar, it is considered appropriate to leave a small tip when you are leaving the restaurant.
If you do not often dine at restaurants with live music, you may be both excited and shy about a dining and dancing experience. You should keep in mind that your servers and the other restaurant staff want you to have a good time. For more information on etiquette or ways to further enjoy live music, contact local resources like Flora-Bama.