Cutting in?

[pygmalion]

I remember this from way back. Middle school dances, to be exact, but it hasn't happened to me lately. Does anybody out there cut in? Leads? Follows? Is there etiquette around it? What works and what doesn't?

[KevinL]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone cut in at any ballroom dance I've ever attended.

In the swing scene, though, it's different. One (or more) of the San Francisco swing teachers has even taught workshops on stealing partners. Even then I don't think it's usually acceptable unless everyone involved is already friendly and familiar with the partner switching deal.

[youngsta]

Happens a lot in salsa too with groups of people friendly with each other. Usually always leads.

[Sagitta]

Is done in ballroom too. As has been said the key is familiarity of the people involved.

[pygmalion]

I'm sure you're right, Sagitta, although I haven't experienced it. Maybe the people I'm dancing with are too stuffy, or don't know each other well enough. The only place I've seen cutting in was at a wedding among close friends. But even then, I wasn't involved. Hmm.

[NeoDevin]

If you want to experience it, then go dancing with a bunch of really close friends. It's only ever happened to me once... I wasn't too upset, the girl who cut in was a better dancer anyways. :D