COUNTRY DANCE LESSON

A note to the astute reader: If you have a country dance lesson scheduled with Shawn Trautman, you can do - and wear - anything you'd like. That's a huge advantage of our Learn How to Dance DVD programs - they offer exclusive anonymity. When you do venture to the country dance club, however, there are a few things you should remember in terms of etiquette:

• Imagine you're in the middle of the watermelon crawl or the gator boogie and you're the only one on the floor with any idea of the steps. Be patient with other dancers who may not have mastered a country dance. After the music stops, recommend Shawn Trautman's DVDs to them.
• Wear proper attire. That means a simple outfit of jeans and a comfortable shirt. Your dancing skill will speak for itself. Consider investing in a pair of dance boots, which have soft, flexible soles. And ladies, leave the high heels at home. One wrong twist and your ankle can turn.
• Avoid droopy cowboy hats. If you can't see under your brim, you won't notice a slick area on the dance floor.
• If you forget the steps, don't panic. The country dance crowd is as accepting as they are casual, and no one's going to usher you off the floor for forgetting a step-ball-change. Country hospitality is at work even in the most hole-in-the-wall honky tonks, with "Yes Ma'ams" and "Excuse Me's" all around.
  

Above all, remember to enjoy yourself. You've perfected your moves during your country dance lesson with Shawn Trautman, so you have the tools to succeed. Try to remember Shawn's tips during the song and have fun!