When I was first introduced to the world of underground dance music nearly 20 years ago, I was about as clueless as anyone could be to the whole “rave scene”. I didn’t know a DJ from a BJ, let alone anything about the music or even how to dance or conduct myself at a party. 

Luckily for me, I had a good friend to guide me into the world of house and techno and give me the rundown on how it all went down, and what it was all about. Many long time ravers who started back in the days before social media and the internet truly took over have similar experiences. 

But if you are new to the scene yourself, or looking to delve a little bit deeper into dance floor culture, this guide is for you!

Below you’ll find what I call my guide to Dance Floor Etiquette. These are my best tips, advice, and dare I say rules for the dance floor that I’ve accumulated over two decades of attending parties around the world. 

I hope these tips help you make the most of your night out, and hopefully make a boatload of friends along the way… no matter where you are in the world! 

So, let’s dig in!

Rule #1: It’s All About the Music

So why do people attend dance parties anyway? 

The answer is simple: it’s the music, of course!

For die hard party goers around the world, attending a dance party is all about losing yourself in the music. 

If you want to stick around in the scene, you must seek out the music that moves you, and become intimately familiar with it.

Now, if you’re new to the scene and perhaps don’t have the deepest connection with the music, there are plenty of other reasons to hit up a party: to make friends, to get fucked up, to get out of the house, or perhaps even to meet that special “someone”.

But make no mistake about it. If you plan on sticking around in the scene, you have to understand that the first and foremost reason for attending a dance party is the music. 

And if you want to maximize your fun, it’s time to embrace the beat. 

Dance music has become so popular around the world precisely because people from any background and any country can come together and relate to each other - even if they don’t speak the same language. 

Of course, even if you consider yourself more of a rocker, hip-hopper, or Swifty, you are always welcome at the rave. 

But familiarizing yourself with the different genres of underground music - and finding your favorites - will allow you to make the most out of your nights out, whether you’re in your home town, or somewhere else around the world.

Rule #2: Learn to Dance

So now that you’ve established your love of dance music, the next step is actually learning how to dance. 

After all, it’s not called “stand around music”, it’s called dance music!

So just how exactly do you dance? 

I remember my first trip to a “rave cave”... I looked around at all the people dancing their asses off and wondered how in the hell are they moving like that?

Luckily, the great thing about dance music is that dancing to house, techno, or any other kind of electronic music is incredibly simple. It may sound cliche, but dancing is all about feeling the rhythm and beat of the music, and letting it take you away.

Unlike hip-hop or K-Pop, dancing to underground music doesn’t require 5+ people gyrating around with bizarre movements that look like they’re having a perfectly choreographed group seizure. 

With underground music, dancing is all about feeling the rhythm and the beat with your body.

But what exactly does that mean?

Teknomadic is going to do you a solid, and introduce a few really simple “dance moves” that you can easily use to get you grooving the next time you find yourself on a dance floor.

Move #1: The Head Bob

We’ll start with the simplest, easiest way to dance to underground music. It’s the simple, yet effective, head bob. 

Because underground house and techno music is typically structured around a repetitive kick drum pattern, called four to the floor, it’s incredibly easy to just bob your head along with the beat… 1, 2, 3, 4; 1, 2, 3, 4; etc. 

Just let your body fall in line with the beat, and nod your head to every hit of the kick drum. That’s it, you’re learned your first dance move!

Move #2: Side to Side

Now that you’ve got the head bob in your repertoire, you can step things up a notch and add in the side-to-side.

Really, this is sort of a variation of the head bob. Instead of simply moving your head up and down on every beat, try moving your head to the left, then right, every two beats. You can still utilize the head nod on every beat, but you’re just mixing things up by looking left, and then right every two beats. 

It’s a simple way to build on the foundation of the head bob, and start feeling the music even more.

Move #3: Work the Shoulders

By now you should be starting to get it. Dancing to underground music is as simple as making movements with your body, in sync with the beat. 

The next move on our roster involves moving your shoulders. 

Try giving a little bounce to one or both shoulders on each beat. You can even try bouncing your left shoulder for 4 beats, then alternating to the right. 

Much like the music itself, you can match these dance moves to the bars of the beat to really start grooving. 

Move #4: Move Your Feet

Now we’re starting to get your whole body moving. The next move you can make is to start getting your knees and feet in on the act. 

Similar to the head bob, try bouncing up and down by simply bending your knees in time with the rhythm, while working-in your shoulders and the head bob. 

When the music really starts to hit, it’s time to move your feet.

Just remember the basic principle of dancing is moving on each beat… so, move your feet to the beat!

Move #5: Give Yourself a Hand

Our last tip for adding some simple dance moves to your skill set involves getting your hands and arms in on the action. 

This is where you can start to get really creative and let the music flow through your extremities. Try experimenting by moving your arms in various patterns, such as up and down and side to side. 

If the party features any professional go-go dancers, look at the way they move their arms and mimic that. 

A lot of people who don’t understand how to dance worry about how they will look if they give it a try. They feel self conscious, they think they will look weird, or that people will laugh at them for trying. 

Whatever you do, don’t worry about “looking weird”. People are not going to laugh at you for the way you dance… and if they do, so what? Laugh right back with them!

I can absolutely guarantee you that no matter how strange you think you look, you will not be the strangest one at the party. It takes time to earn that distinction!

Just remember, there is no right or wrong way to dance. As long as you feel the rhythm and the beat, move your body in whatever way you feel compelled. 

Just don’t do that stupid shuffle dance! :p

Rule #3: Make Some Friends

By this point in your dance floor journey, you should be enjoying the music, and letting loose on the dance floor with some of the new moves you’ve developed. 

That’s all well and good, but you know what would make it even better? Having some friends to dance with! So let’s make ‘em!

Deliver a Compliment

Whether you are on the road traveling in a foreign country, or are at a club in your home town, the easiest and most sure fire way to make a new friend is to hit them with a compliment. 

When you notice someone who you are interested in chatting up, you are probably attracted to something about them, like their outfit, the way they dance, or something else unique to them. 

To be clear, I’m not talking about sexual or physical attraction, but rather attraction to the energy that someone exudes that makes you want to befriend them. 

So the best way to break the ice, is deliver a compliment! 

If you like someone’s outfit, tell them. If you like their dance moves, tell them. 

The key here is that your compliment needs to be honest and sincere. If you are not sincere, it will show through and will come off as weird. 

Head Outside for a Breather, and Chat About the Music

Inevitably, at any party you’re going to want to take a break from the dance floor and chill for a bit. If there’s an outdoor area, or other area away from the main dance floor, it can be a perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone. 

The easiest way to strike up that conversation is to talk about the music and the party itself. You and everyone at the party are sharing the same experience of being at this particular party, at this particular time and place, and shared experience is a great driver of friendship.

So, use this to your advantage and strike up a conversation by commenting on the music, the decor, the lighting and visuals, anything about the party. 

It’s a much better conversation starter than religion or politics!

To Talk or Dance?

We do also want to take a moment to address a somewhat controversial topic in the world of the underground, and that's having a conversation on the dance floor itself. 

Many dance floor enthusiasts believe that the dance floor is strictly for dancing, and that those looking for conversation should head outside or away from the dance floor. 

I tend to agree with that sentiment. There’s nothing wrong with exchanging a few words on the dance floor with friends, but if you’re looking to have a full blown conversation, it’s best to take it away from the dance floor and leave the space for people who are actually dancing. This is particularly important at clubs or events with a smaller dance floor. 

Keep the vibes on the dance floor high, and take your longer conversations to the outside or chill areas, and respect the experience of those who came to dance. 

Dancing With Strangers

Perhaps one of my favorite tips for meeting people on the dance floor is simply to vibe with others who are feeling the music as much as you are. 

Dance music is all about having fun, and when people are dancing they are typically having fun. You can easily dance with those around you by wearing a smile, making a little eye contact, and grooving along with similar moves. 

Now to be clear, dancing with someone does not mean you can put your hands on them in a familiar way, when you are in fact, not familiar with them. This is particularly problematic when single guys have made their way onto the dance floor with the sole purpose of picking up women. 

But if you are dancing and you see others around you dancing and vibing, it's entirely ok to vibe together while you dance! And after you’ve danced a bit, be sure to introduce yourself. 

Rule #4: Dress to Impress… Yourself

Fashion and the world of dance music have always gone hand in hand. 

Back in the 90’s, the “raver” look usually meant wearing baggy, wide legged jeans, a funky t-shirt or tank top and maybe a bucket hat. Luckily, fashion has evolved since then!

Today, expressing yourself through your own personal style - whatever that may be - is a great way to start conversations with others. When your personality is reflected in your clothing, it attracts attention from 

For many years, every time I went to a party, I would don a black top hat. I did this not because I thought it would make me a boat load of friends (it did), but rather because I had always thought that wearing a top hat would be a fun thing to do. And I was right!

The very first night I ever wore the top hat out, I met dozens of people, who all approached me to tell me they loved the hat. In my region, it was pretty unusual to see anyone dressing up in funky outfits (there were no candy kids where I lived). Since no one else was wearing anything like that to parties, it really made me stand out - in a good way. 

For me, wearing the top hat was never something I did with the intention of making friends. I just felt that it would be a fun thing to do. Really, I probably could have worn any sort of silly thing on my head and people would have reacted to it because it was an expression of my own personality. 

Little did I know, I would meet hundreds of people over the years simply by doing something that expressed my own personality. And that’s why this is one of my favorite tips for the dance floor. Dress to impress yourself!

And if you’re looking for some new threads to wear on your next night out, check out our techno fashion store, Late Nite Supply! We have tons of cool shirts, hoodies, and more inspired by our love of house, techno, and underground music culture. It’s a great way to spark up a conversation with other like minded party people!

Rule #5: Look Out for Each Other

Despite all the flack that the “rave scene” has received from the mainstream media, ravers and party people are actually some of the most kind and caring people around. 

Back in the early days of dance culture, there was a saying called P.L.U.R… peace, love, unity, and respect. While it may sound hokey, the tenants of PLUR are still viable today. 

And that is why we should always look out for each other when we’re out on the dance floor. 

What I mean by that is that even if we don’t know a person, but we see they are struggling in some way, we should offer help. Ask them how they are doing. Get them some water. 

If it’s bad enough that you think they might need special medical attention, tell a bouncer or someone who works at the club or event. 

Just being a good person and looking out for people, even if they are strangers, goes a long way. Even if nothing else, you’ll build your own karma, and possibly save someone’s night from taking a wrong turn. 

Rule #6: Stay Hydrated

Rule 6 is a simple reminder that no matter what you choose to do at a party, it is always a smart move to stay hydrated!

I know water isn’t the sexiest drink in the world, but it is vital to your very existence. Whether you’re dancing at your favorite night clubs, or raging at a jungle party somewhere around the world, the dance floor is likely to be hot and sweaty. You’ll need to replenish the H2O that your body loses throughout the night. 

If you plan on drinking all night, don’t forget to drink a few bottles of water as well. Your body needs it, even if you think you don’t. 

And if you choose to use any substances on your night out, it is just as important to stay hydrated. 

Your body will thank you for staying hydrated!

Rule #7: Don’t Over Do It

For many of us, going out is a chance to escape the drudgery of everyday life. But there is often the temptation to drink till you drop, or to take extreme doses of party supplies. 

I’m not here to tell anyone what to do with their own life, but only to offer my advice and personal experience. 

And my advice… don’t over do it. Leave some brain cells left to get you through the night. 

Don’t be that sloppy drunk falling all over the place or shouting in someone’s face while you try to tell them your life’s story on the dance floor. 

Don’t be that dude that took too much and is now plastered on the dance floor barely able to stand on his own two feet.

This is particularly strong advice if you are traveling in a foreign country. 

People that get too fucked up become easy targets. Targets for unsavory people who may hang around night clubs or events to take advantage of exactly those kinds of people. 

So have a few drinks, pop a pill, have a sniff. Do whatever you want, but try to keep your wits about you and your body upright. 

Rule #8: Don’t Be a Creep

In the beginning of this piece, we talked about why people come to dance parties. While there are many reasons to hit the dance floor (mainly the music, if you need a reminder), there is invariably a segment of (predominantly men) that come to parties, nightclubs, festivals to “score” or “pick up” women. 

I’m going to come out and say it right here: If picking up women is your primary reason for coming to a dance party, then you are coming for the wrong reason. 

The dance floor is meant for dancing, it is not a sexual buffet for your earthly pleasures. 

With that said, if you feel like you must come to the party to approach women, don’t be a creep about it. 

For those that haven’t heard, I’m going to introduce the concept of “consent”. If you want to dance with a woman, ask her consent first. Be a man and ask her to dance. Say something like “I really love your dance moves! Can we dance together?”

If she says “yes”, then great! You can dance with her. 

But if she says “no”, forget about it. No means no, even on the dance floor. 

If she seems hesitant, don’t try to convince her. Respect her personal space, and leave her be. 

The same goes for initiating any other kind of contact with someone. If they’re not 100% enthusiastic about it, take the hint and get back to the party. 

Rule #9: Learn to Navigate a Dance Floor

Night clubs and festivals are often jam packed with hundreds, or even thousands of people. In all that mass of humanity, you’re going to need to move around. Whether you’re trying to get up front near the DJ booth, or get out to use the bathroom, it pays to know how to move through a crowd. 

Look for Natural Space in the Crowd

Various factors like the layout of the club, crowd density, and the time of night will impact how easy or difficult it is to move around. But a general rule of thumb is to look for natural spaces in the crowd to move through. This will typically be easier when you are entering the dance floor, and get more difficult as you get closer to the front. If you get to a point where it is so densely packed that you can’t realistically move much, consider looking for an alternate way, or just staying put and enjoying the music for a bit!

Use the Sides

This also depends on the layout of the club or event, but sometimes if you’re looking to get close to the front, it is easier to enter from the sides, rather than from the back of the dance floor. Most people tend to enter the dance floor closest to where the club entrance is, which inevitably makes that area more densely packed. Try going around and cutting into the crowd from a different angle to get where you want to be. 

Be a Gent and Say Excuse Me

You’ll eventually want to get through an extremely crowded portion of the dance floor. When the going gets tight, sometimes it’s as simple as saying “excuse me” to be able to get through. You can also lightly tap someone on the shoulder as you pass, but don’t be a dick and push people out of your way. No matter how fucked up you are, its never ok to shove someone to get where you’re going. 

If you do happen to step on someone’s foot or bump someone, own up and say excuse me! It costs you nothing to do so, 

Rule #10: Find Your Place on the Dance Floor

Our final bit of advice is all about finding your place on the dance floor. And by that I mean, where is it that you like to enjoy the show? This has long been a debate of underground aficionados. 

Some will do everything in their power to make it up the very front of the crowd, where they can practically reach out and touch the DJ. However, this can be difficult at large clubs or festivals where there are hundreds and hundreds of other people on the dance floor. 

Others are adamant that the center of the dance floor is the best spot, as the speakers are generally pointed towards the middle. If sound quality is a big deal for you, this is rarely a poor choice to plant yourself for the evening. 

Still, others swear that the real party people are always by the front left speaker. 

My advice, wander around and find out what spot you enjoy the best. And just wander around in general. Sometimes you meet the most interesting people simply walking around on the dance floor and vibing for a bit. 

Wherever you choose to enjoy the show, remember one thing: the dance floor is constantly in flux. 

There are no assigned seats on the dance floor, and no one has a higher claim to a particular spot than anyone else… unless you’re talking about a VIP area, but honestly, fuck that!

The dance floor belongs to everyone.

It is the great equalizer, where rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight, anyone in the whole spectrum of humanity can all come together in the name of music and good times. 

Wrap Up

So there you have it: Teknomadic’s Guide to Dance Floor Etiquette! If you’ve managed to make it this far, thank you so much for reading. I hope this advice helps you to navigate the wonderful world of underground dance music, make some friends, and create memories to last a lifetime. 

Did you find this article helpful? Then do me a solid and share it with your friends!