Murderous Looks On The Dance Floor

[suzyed]

This is exactly the intolerant attitude that scares social dancers away from the floor. :mad:

 

Yup!:rolleyes:

[Pollypops]

It's not only on ships that this happens. We go to quite a lot of dances in our local area, and there are always the couples we call "LAMBs" (Look At Me Brigade), who want to take over the whole floor. Whilst these people are good dancers and would be lovely to watch if they were the cabaret act , they are NOT lovely to be on the floor with. We've been learning for a few years now but our enthusiasm outweighs our talent, and we do sometimes find it rather intimidating being on the floor with these types. They always seem to have facial expressions as if there is a bad smell, no sign of a smile.

We've recently been on our first Cunard cruise, on the QE, and there were some excellent dancers. An American couple and a Canadian lady who danced with the dance hosts were particularly good, they always looked as if they were really enjoying themselves and NOT showing off, smiling all the time. Myself I try to smile, but sometimes when you're concentrating hard on your steps the smile disappears!

One thing that worried me was some of the footwear worn by those who were not regular dancers. One lady in particular had heels about five inches high with horrendous spikes - I told my husband I didn't want to get anywhere near her, as those heels could cause a serious injury if she stepped on someone's foot.

[chirk_on_tour]

It's a shame you felt you couldn't get up and have a dance. I had the pleasure of taking my 18 month old daughter on the QE last Christmas to Amsterdam. We spent 10 minutes or so dancing around the ball room to the pleasure and displeasure of many dancers. To the ones who made nice comments we had a giggle together. To the ones who tutted... well they could just whistle! We had paid our money and I was dancing for the first time with my princess.

Hopefully next time you will feel a little more confident.

[PunkiC]

On our last Cunard cruise, there was one dance host who only danced with one woman, both during dances and during classes. Many of the other women complained to the Cruise Director who did address the issue with him. He got a little better but still tended to dance with the same lady about half the time. His excuse was that she was a good dancer and was "teaching" him to dance. Who hires these people?

 

It is, by the way, perfectly ok to ask a dance host to dance.

 

It seems like on almost every cruise there at least on arm flailing couple. Oddly, they are usually Asian. Maybe that is the way they are taught. They are never really good dancers, but couples who appear to be practicing routines that they have only recently learned. The really good dancers adapt to the space available and try to avoid poking out their fellow dancers' eyes with their fingernails.

 

We are American social dancers. While we are quite competent, we don't compete and have no interest in competition. Our style is somewhat different than that of the British and European dancers, but we don't care in the least if we look "American". We just dance for the love of dancing.

Edited August 16, 2015 by PunkiC

[Jimmys Chippy]

I posted something like this before and I will say it again. Anyone who decides the QR is their own personal ballroom show is %#!!&^@%$*@%^:mad::mad:

 

I am a figure skater and I am at what I would call "advanced for an adult". I jump, spin & compete but I am certainly not an Olympian at 40. I skate on sessions where I am with other figure skaters who are doing the same thing. Different story, different rules.

 

BUT......

 

I also skate on sessions with the general public, especially other adults who are beginners. I would never expect them to get out of my way even if I am practicing hard. They don't know my program, they don't know my patterns, and they don't have the skill to move quickly without hurting themselves or me. If they are beginner skaters trying to enjoy themselves and get the hang of things, as a skater with a higher skill level, it is my responsibility to watch out for them. I may be frustrated on the inside, yes, but they won't see it. They paid the same $$ I paid to skate and they have a right to that space at a public session. And frankly the skater OR in this case dancer who crushes someone else's sense of enthusiasm for the fun of the sport is (I hope I don't get in trouble for this) an idiot.

T

here is no reason that in the QR where everyone paid to dance, that anyone should feel intimated, or unworthy. When I started skating AND dancing I was a beginner. I honed my dance skills on the ship. To me, everyone - even the beginners - deserve that chance to learn and practice with that wonderful big band. If a professional dance cruise is what you are after, then there are lines who do that. So - OP...please get out there and dance!!

Okay rant over. Now if they would just put an ice rink on the QM2...:D

 

 

Similar to swimming in a public pool. At our local pool they have sessions for Ladies Only, lane swimming, Golden Oldies etc and when the specialist groups are not using the pool it's just general swimming. However, you want to try taking your kids down during that time, the looks you get from those who think that the importance of their swimming lengths in the pool far outweighs your time splashing around in the shallow end.

[Mumsysailor]

Forgive my ignorance but surely the Queens Room is a ballroom dance floor. DH and I dance ballroom and Latin at a fairly basic level. We understand the 'line of dance' and are happy to attempt not to collide with less able dancers. We love to dance and would never want to deprive anyone of the same pleasure - everyone begins at some time eh?

 

Are there not other venues to dance on Cunard ships? Perhaps for those who want to disco dance or smooch but not to do a formal dance style. Surely it's not unreasonable to think that the ballroom is for a more formal style of dancing and other venues for modern, disco, smooching or 'jiggling' as one poster described.

 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to dance socially with others of a similar preference in a dedicated venue. I would never dream of trying to dance a waltz in a nightclub.

 

Even when we were absolute beginners we have never had the 'looks' as described by the OP. But we were attempting to dance the formal designated dances and not do anything freestyle. I don't know what the OP was trying to dance but if it wasn't what was the norm for the venue perhaps that's why they felt out of place and being given looks. I may be wrong of course.

[PunkiC]

Yes, they do,have an alternative dance venue where you can shake your booty.

 

It is also perfectly ok to stand in the very middle of,the Queen's Room and just shuffle around during a slow song. The problem arises when people shuffle in the traveling lane. They only do that because they don't know any better. If you very politely let them know that the outside of the floor is for traveling, they will be very grateful for the knowledge. If you run into a hot tempered person who is already too smart to learn anything, just be happy that that is their problem, not yours. ;)

Edited August 17, 2015 by PunkiC

[Sunriseatsea]

As recent voyagers on both the QM and QE and cruisers on other lines as well, we have had exactly the same experiences aboard Cunard as the OP. Granted, the old history of balls at sea might seem to justify an arrogant ownership and monopolization of the Queens Room, but ballroom dancing does not appeal to a large segment of Cunard passengers. Saying we (who enjoy totally relaxed, close-contact, romantic, unscripted dancing to music from post-WWII) should be corralled inside a circle of "Dancing with the Stars" wannabes is frankly rude. We have plenty of rhythm, intelligence, and social graces. But the formal ballroom dancers' definition of the only proper form of dancing in a public social venue is about as archaic as masquerade balls. Their theatrics would be laughed at in most affluent country clubs, lounges, etc. Perhaps they are used to devoted dance halls? dance studios? dance classes? If so, I support them there. I just don't accept them trying to impose their hobby on the cruising population at large. Perhaps alternate nights in the Queens Room for formal ballroom dancers and regular social dancers (no, not sequence dancers either!) could be a solution.

[PunkiC]

Corralled? You don't need to be good dancers or fancy to follow line of dance, but somehow you have to figure out how to do it, or the dance floor would become a chaotic train wreck.

 

If you want to move, just do so in a counter clockwise direction at roughly the same speed as the flow of traffic in your lane. If you don't want to move, get in the center, out of everyone's way.

 

We, for instance, love to switch between Foxtrot and Double Time Swing (both of which are played at the same tempo) within the same song. I know that you purists are groaning, but we do it because we enjoy it. When we are dancing Foxteot, we move to the outside lane and then move into the center before we execute any Swing moves.

 

The only rule that matter is Line of Dance and that is only because it provides the maximum enjoyment for the majority of people. It is in no way archaic.

Edited August 17, 2015 by PunkiC

[Host Hattie]

There is no need for alternate nights, all three ships have nightclubs for other types of dancing.

[balf]

With apologies to the late, famed Liverpool FC manager who was talking of a different obsession, "Some people think dancing is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that"

 

My suggestion, why not allow times where the really experienced can individually c

[Camgirl]

As recent voyagers on both the QM and QE and cruisers on other lines as well, we have had exactly the same experiences aboard Cunard as the OP. Granted, the old history of balls at sea might seem to justify an arrogant ownership and monopolization of the Queens Room, but ballroom dancing does not appeal to a large segment of Cunard passengers. Saying we (who enjoy totally relaxed, close-contact, romantic, unscripted dancing to music from post-WWII) should be corralled inside a circle of "Dancing with the Stars" wannabes is frankly rude. We have plenty of rhythm, intelligence, and social graces. But the formal ballroom dancers' definition of the only proper form of dancing in a public social venue is about as archaic as masquerade balls. Their theatrics would be laughed at in most affluent country clubs, lounges, etc. Perhaps they are used to devoted dance halls? dance studios? dance classes? If so, I support them there. I just don't accept them trying to impose their hobby on the cruising population at large. Perhaps alternate nights in the Queens Room for formal ballroom dancers and regular social dancers (no, not sequence dancers either!) could be a solution.

 

If you insist on dancing statically in the way of ball room dancers of all abilities doing ballroom dancing in the ballroom then personally I find that extremely rude. There is plenty of space for both types of dancing so why would anyone want to deliberately stand in the line of dance when there is plenty of room in the centre of the dance floor? And why should ballroom dancing be banned from the ballroom every other day for a very few couples who refuse to move nearer the middle of the dance floor just so that they can disrupt the ballroom dancers and who refuse to go to the nightclub where exactly their type of dancing is encouraged??

 

I have seen what you call 'social dancers' sharing the dance floor perfectly happily with the ballroom dancers and have never heard complaints from either side.

 

And for you to insinuate that all ballroom dancers following the line of dance in the ballroom are Strictly Come Dancing wannabes is just ridiculous. We just enjoy the particular form of dancing that the ballrooms were designed for and are having fun. Just the same as the dancers in the nightclub are enjoying their style of dancing in the area designed for that. There will be people of all standards in both venues having fun.

[3rdGenCunarder]

With apologies to the late, famed Liverpool FC manager who was talking of a different obsession, "Some people think dancing is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that"

 

My suggestion, why not allow times where the really experienced can individually c

 

Your post got cut off, but I think I get the idea. Perhaps those Strictly Come Dancing wannabes should hurry over to HAL before the "Dancing with the Stars at Sea" program ends.

 

I've seen plenty of those wannabes. NOT all the people on the dance floor, but it does happen.

[Mumsysailor]

If you insist on dancing statically in the way of ball room dancers of all abilities doing ballroom dancing in the ballroom then personally I find that extremely rude. There is plenty of space for both types of dancing so why would anyone want to deliberately stand in the line of dance when there is plenty of room in the centre of the dance floor? And why should ballroom dancing be banned from the ballroom every other day for a very few couples who refuse to move nearer the middle of the dance floor just so that they can disrupt the ballroom dancers and who refuse to go to the nightclub where exactly their type of dancing is encouraged??

 

 

 

I have seen what you call 'social dancers' sharing the dance floor perfectly happily with the ballroom dancers and have never heard complaints from either side.

 

 

 

And for you to insinuate that all ballroom dancers following the line of dance in the ballroom are Strictly Come Dancing wannabes is just ridiculous. We just enjoy the particular form of dancing that the ballrooms were designed for and are having fun. Just the same as the dancers in the nightclub are enjoying their style of dancing in the area designed for that. There will be people of all standards in both venues having fun.

 

 

Thank you for your reply. I wholeheartedly agree.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BobBranst]

I've seen plenty of those wannabes. NOT all the people on the dance floor, but it does happen.

 

Yes, it does happen occasionally, but IMO fortunately it is not the norm. My experiece has been that most dancers on the QR dance floor co-exist quite nicely.

 

However, I imagine that many Americans are somewhat shocked the first time they see that many (non-American) ballroom dancers in the Queens Room are dancing the International Ballroom Dance Style as opposed to the American Smooth Ballroom dance style that they are used to seeing at ballrooms dances at home. I know it took us a while to get comfortable with this concept on our first TA crossing. Now, we don't even think about it when we get on the floor. Both dance styles follow the same basic rules of ballroom etiquette with regard to dancing in counter-clockwise direction in the outside lanes while leaving the center of the floor for those who wish to do spot dances.

 

Bob

[PoppyandNana]

Forgive my ignorance but surely the Queens Room is a ballroom dance floor. DH and I dance ballroom and Latin at a fairly basic level. We understand the 'line of dance' and are happy to attempt not to collide with less able dancers. We love to dance and would never want to deprive anyone of the same pleasure - everyone begins at some time eh?

 

Are there not other venues to dance on Cunard ships? Perhaps for those who want to disco dance or smooch but not to do a formal dance style. Surely it's not unreasonable to think that the ballroom is for a more formal style of dancing and other venues for modern, disco, smooching or 'jiggling' as one poster described.

 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to dance socially with others of a similar preference in a dedicated venue. I would never dream of trying to dance a waltz in a nightclub.

 

Even when we were absolute beginners we have never had the 'looks' as described by the OP. But we were attempting to dance the formal designated dances and not do anything freestyle. I don't know what the OP was trying to dance but if it wasn't what was the norm for the venue perhaps that's why they felt out of place and being given looks. I may be wrong of course.

 

I always get a chuckle watching the "pros" dance on a crowded dance floor. Each extend their arms in a delicate romantic manner as far as they will stretch. When they hit nine other people they issue the classic dirty looks to the amatures who have the aducity to dance in "their" space.

[suzyed]

As recent voyagers on both the QM and QE and cruisers on other lines as well, we have had exactly the same experiences aboard Cunard as the OP. Granted, the old history of balls at sea might seem to justify an arrogant ownership and monopolization of the Queens Room, but ballroom dancing does not appeal to a large segment of Cunard passengers. Saying we (who enjoy totally relaxed, close-contact, romantic, unscripted dancing to music from post-WWII) should be corralled inside a circle of "Dancing with the Stars" wannabes is frankly rude. We have plenty of rhythm, intelligence, and social graces. But the formal ballroom dancers' definition of the only proper form of dancing in a public social venue is about as archaic as masquerade balls. Their theatrics would be laughed at in most affluent country clubs, lounges, etc. Perhaps they are used to devoted dance halls? dance studios? dance classes? If so, I support them there. I just don't accept them trying to impose their hobby on the cruising population at large. Perhaps alternate nights in the Queens Room for formal ballroom dancers and regular social dancers (no, not sequence dancers either!) could be a solution.

 

Here, here!

[suzyed]

There is no need for alternate nights, all three ships have nightclubs for other types of dancing.

 

Oh! So now we all need to just go dance somewhere else? LOL! :rolleyes:

[Host Hattie]

Oh! So now we all need to just go dance somewhere else? LOL! :rolleyes:

 

That's not what I said but you'd think from some of the posts on this thread that the Queens Room was the only place to dance on Cunard ships.

[Slow Foxtrot]

Forgive my ignorance but surely the Queens Room is a ballroom dance floor.........

 

Are there not other venues to dance on Cunard ships? Perhaps for those who want to disco dance or smooch but not to do a formal dance style. Surely it's not unreasonable to think that the ballroom is for a more formal style of dancing and other venues for modern, disco, smooching or 'jiggling' as one poster described.

 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to dance socially with others of a similar preference in a dedicated venue. I would never dream of trying to dance a waltz in a nightclub.

 

Even when we were absolute beginners we have never had the 'looks' as described by the OP. But we were attempting to dance the formal designated dances and not do anything freestyle. I don't know what the OP was trying to dance but if it wasn't what was the norm for the venue perhaps that's why they felt out of place and being given looks. .

 

This thread is certainly arousing some diverse opinions but 'Mumsysailor']has hit the nail on the head. This is Cunard's pride and joy - the Queens Ballroom - specifically built for ballroom dancing. It's not the Queens Nightclub or the Queens Speakeasy. Yet many posters seem to think that any couple who dance in the correct way are somehow 'showing off'.

We are not talking about competition dancers here, just competent dancers dancing in the correct manner.

Some posters have reported young children running on the floor, another poster boasts that he dances on the floor holding an 18 months old baby. Yes, we know, they have paid their money and they are claiming their 'rights'

As has been mentioned in the past, the Queens Ballroom urgently requires an authorative MC to announce the dances and maintain order on the dancefloor for the safety and benefit of all dancers.

As for the 'murderous looks' on the dancefloor - we have been dancing aboard Cunard for 25 years and instances of this have been virtually neglible.

Edited August 17, 2015 by Slow Foxtrot

[Q-step]

If you insist on dancing statically in the way of ball room dancers of all abilities doing ballroom dancing in the ballroom then personally I find that extremely rude. There is plenty of space for both types of dancing so why would anyone want to deliberately stand in the line of dance when there is plenty of room in the centre of the dance floor? And why should ballroom dancing be banned from the ballroom every other day for a very few couples who refuse to move nearer the middle of the dance floor just so that they can disrupt the ballroom dancers and who refuse to go to the nightclub where exactly their type of dancing is encouraged??

 

I agree. There are simple etiquette rules for dance floors.

 

One shouldn't drive slowly in the passing lane on highways and force all the other cars to maneuver around you. One shouldn't skate clockwise on an ice rink (or roller rink) during a free skate period and make people try and avoid you. One shouldn't stop and stand three-abreast on a busy sidewalk and make people walk into the street to get around you.

 

So why do some think it OK to do this on a dance floor?

[suzyed]

That's not what I said but you'd think from some of the posts on this thread that the Queens Room was the only place to dance on Cunard ships.

 

LOL! I'm just messing with you!

 

I just think some people feel to get the whole "Queen" experience, it would be nice to be able to dance in the ballroom....after all, it's the largest ballroom at sea! :)

[MWillow]

G32 is not an option for us. It reeks of smoke even when it's empty.

[fantasy51]

I always get a chuckle watching the "pros" dance on a crowded dance floor. Each extend their arms in a delicate romantic manner as far as they will stretch. When they hit nine other people they issue the classic dirty looks to the amatures who have the aducity to dance in "their" space.

 

If they do what you say, then they are not good dancers!

 

I have just returned from a cruise where I was partnered by a dance teacher. Where there was space he held me in proper ballroom hold with our shoulders and elbows stretched out. Then, quite smoothly, both arms would suddenly be tucked in so we could manoeuvre into a tight space. When space allowed, proper posture would be resumed. It is not difficult! We had one collision over the space of the cruise, when a Dance Host suddenly danced backwards after my partner started backing into a space. It was dealt with amicably, with smiles. :D

[BobBranst]

I just think some people feel to get the whole "Queen" experience, it would be nice to be able to dance in the ballroom....after all, it's the largest ballroom at sea! :)

If you want to get the "whole Queen Experience", just do like the rest of us and take a few ballroom dance lessons. You just might like it.

 

Bob