By Francisco Martinez

Co-Owner and Operator of the Dance Family Studio, Pasadena

1.  Keep your eye on the ball. When considering asking a lady to dance, look at her from where you're standing. Try to make eye contact and smile as you walk up to her, extend your hand and ask her to dance with a subtle bow of the head toward her. NOTE: try not to extend your right hand as you might walk away with a handshake instead of a dance partner.

2.  Learn to strike out like a champ. If a lady says, "no," simply smile and say, "okay, maybe later" and quickly ask another lady to dance. Repeat until you are on the dance floor. NOTE: Avoid any comments or gestures to make0up for the awkward feeling of hearing "no."

3.  Look up. A woman can feel uncomfortable with a man while he's looking at his feet. From her perspective, you are looking at her body. So make sure to look up, being careful not to stare into her eyes or at her mouth.

4.  Look sharp and smell fresh! A shower, mints, deodorant and lightly scented cologne in moderation can make-up for your lack of dance savvy. Make sure to keep nose, ear, and body hair trimmed and clean shaven.

5.  Observe the one dance rule. Only assume one dance with a lady you have invited out to the floor. When the song is done, politely ask her if she can save you another dance, and politely escort her off the floor.

6.  Nice guys win. Ladies will often comment on how nice a gentleman was rather than how good of a dancer he was on the floor. You most important dance move is your smile.

7.  Gauge your partner. Stat your dance time together with the basic, easy and fun moves that will allow you both to relax. Increase the complexity to her ability level. Keep dips and multiple spins to ladies who you know, and only attempt them if you have been properly trained in dips. This will naturally bring out her best dancing.

8.  Dance as if no one is watching. The simple truth is people are not watching you, they are watching the lady. Remember, you are the step, she is the flower. You provide the frame for her to paint the canvas.

9.  Just say "NO." Although the idea of drinking before dancing may make you feel less inhibited, try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. It could impair your judgement, and create foul breath. Do drink a Gatorade or other electrolyte replenishing drink after an active night of dancing, before going to sleep. This will help avoid waking up with a headache the following morning.

10.  Keep your cool. If the idea of asking a lady to dance causes you to sweat profusely, and if you know yourself to sweat a lot, make sure to have a change of shirt.

11.  Know your game. Like any good quarterback studies his playbook, don't assume that your moves are up to date. all great dancers receive training and instruction to stay up on their game.

12.  When freestyling, instead of moving your feet, work on swaying your upper body. Avoid any jerky or big movements, and intermittently clap casually. You'll look like the most confident man out there!

www.TheDanceFamily.com