6 Ways To Ask That Partner For A Dance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

6 ways to ask That Partner for a dance

A practical list to use at any dance event!

376
6 ways to ask That Partner for a dance
Wilson Vave

The most intimidating part of any swing dance is the proposal. Better known as "asking for a dance," it entails the pursuit of a dance partner for a song. The incredible tension built into the proposal is self-imposed; the baggage in asking for a dance is just a natural instinct in ourselves to save us from embarrassment. If this is the case for you, cower no more! As a seasoned dancer, I have compiled a list of foolproof methods for popping the question. Tried and true, these methods will guarantee a dance and maybe even a friend. Note that the order of these methods are listed in order of difficulty. If you're feeling unsure of yourself, the first two or three might be more your speed. But, if you're looking for some spice in your proposal, the last few are just for you!

1. Write It Down

Giphy

For those guys (myself included) who find words awkward and bulky, just write down a short proposal. Writing the question down and memorizing it can help separate your ego from the actual answer. The prewritten proposal can be short and sweet, for example, "Hi. Would you like to dance?" Or, it can be a bit more long and complex, "Hello Ma'am or Sir, would you care to experience this piece of musical passion with a complete stranger, such as myself?" Remember, the point in writing it down is to help give you the sense of confidence you need to pop the question.

2. Smooth Groovin'

Giphy

What I like to call "Smooth Groovin" is a very natural way of asking somebody to dance. Simply bob your head or tap your feet to the beat before engaging in the proposal, which may or may not be written down. The pressure is taken off you, the asker, putting it more on the music itself. This will make the askee more comfortable as well because they feel like you're asking them to simply enjoy the music with you, rather than the to start a permanent relationship lasting a lifetime.

3. Small Talk

Giphy

Sometimes people find it easier to start dancing with a person by first engaging in meaningless conversation. Leading conversation starters can be "Been dancing long?," "Come here often?," or "This playlist is the cat's pajamas!" By establishing a superficial relationship, asking to dance might feel like a natural lead in to conclude your interactions.

4. Telepathy

Giphy

At this point, the methods become more abstract and complex. Telepathy is communicating through a psychic connection, typically established through strong eye contact. If you find yourself locked into a stare with somebody, there's a good chance this person is trying to communicate to you through telepathy. If you can't understand the message, simply smile and put out your hand as a physical expression of acceptance.

5. The Lasso

Giphy

Classic, classic, classic dance proposal. The Lasso is a roleplaying method in which the asker pretends to be a cowboy lassoing a person, and pulling him/her to him/herself. It's bold, entertaining and powerful. If performed correctly, the askee will have the time of his or her life.

To perform the Lasso, first, make strong eye connection with the askee. Second, spit out your chew, then swing your arm around in Lasso fashion. Third, throw your invisible lasso to the person you've made eye connection with. And, lastly, pull 'em in to have the rootinest, tootinest time of your lives!

6. Bird of Paradise

Giphy

This last method of the proposal is the sum of every method mentioned so far. It's a complex web of both verbal and non-verbal expressions, formed into a powerful performance. "Bird of Paradise" is so elaborate, it can easily take up to two minutes to properly execute. The idea was inspired by the mating rituals of birds in Papua New Guinea. But, just like the variance of mating rituals between different bird species, the "Bird of Paradise" method can vary between dancers.

To perform your Bird of Paradise proposal, you must look into your soul. Identify your inner primal being, and draw him out by allowing him to interpret the music that's playing at that moment. As your body begins to move, search for your dance mate. The person you lock into a strong psychic connection with is most definitely the person! Keep eye contact, and show off your best qualities.

Of course, with anything this powerful, there are some possible negative effects. The most obvious one is the strong possibility that you'll take so long asking for a dance that you end up going through the entire song. Other possibilities include being kicked out of the venue, damaging any potential relationship with the person you're asking, damaging any existing relationships and cognitive devolution. But the reward is worth it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189957
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14751
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457728
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26566
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments