Square dancers pride themselves on being friendly, courteous and honest on and off the dance floor. Following is a few items to remember when attending a square dance:

• Bathe diligently and refrain from garlic and alcohol prior to dancing.
  
  
• Wear proper square dance attire. This may simply mean ladies in a loose fitting skirt, men in long sleeves and low-heeled shoes for all. Check all hats at the door. Hats are dangerous and eyes have been damaged by their brims.
  
  
• Wear a name badge. There are a lot of people to meet and badges help refresh the memory.
  
  
• Show up on time. You will need to sign in and have time to greet those you know and make a new friend.
  
  
• Join the nearest square needing a couple. Introduce yourself as a stranger is just a friend whom you haven't met yet. Avoid cliques and give others the chance to meet and dance with you.
  
  
• Recognize your corner, not only what she is wearing, but who she is. Next to your partner she is the most important person in your square.
  
  
• Remember who you are every time you square up -- heads, sides and what couple (1, 2, 3 or 4).
  
  
• Listen to the caller. Even if you know what he's going to say, someone else in the square may not. After a tip, applaud the caller and thank your fellow dancers.
  
  
• Keep smiling even if you are angry with yourself for "goofing". The other seven people in the square may think you are frowning at them.
  
  
• Forgive other dancers if they "goof". We all get our turn and next time it may be yours!
  
  
• Never walk out on a square! This is the cardinal sin of square dancing. Ask for help and let others help you. If you walk out of the square then nobody gets to dance.
  
  
• Square dancing is not a competition. Don't speed through the calls or perform time-consuming "cutesy styling". High flung kicks can be dangerous to those around you.
  
  
• Be gentle, especially with the ladies, but not so gentle that you become a "limp fish."
  
  
• Do not miss class. If you miss two consecutive classes and are having difficulty keeping up with the rest of the class, you may be asked to leave so as not to hold the rest of the class back.
  
  
• Attend hoedowns designed for you whenever possible. You will get much more practice at a dance and will also get the opportunity to hear a new caller and make new friends.