Dance flow, floor etiquette and the right preparation
A typical ballroom dance evening in Cologne differs noticeably from a Salsa night or a milonga: the dynamics on the floor are determined by the classic direction of dance. Those dancing Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep or Foxtrot move counter-clockwise on the outer lane. The center of the room belongs to couples practicing stationary figures or Latin American dances like Rumba, Cha-Cha-Cha and Jive. When the house is full, keeping an overview pays off: those who keep their frame in ballroom dancing stable protect themselves and others from collisions.
For recreational couples, the dress code is pleasantly relaxed. Upscale evening wear is reserved for festive balls. At regular practice parties, neat casual clothing that allows for easy movement is sufficient. The footwear is crucial: dance shoes with chrome leather soles or at least clean change shoes with smooth leather soles protect the parquet and make turns much easier. If you are looking for more nights out beyond ballroom and Latin, you will find many options in the Cologne scene for social dance in Cologne or summery open-air dancing in Cologne.
