Because swing is a social dance, one should seek to dance with as many different partners as possible, rather than focusing on a single partner. Even if a lead and follow came to the dance with each other, it is disfavoured for them to spend the entire night dancing only with each other. In the United States, it is typical to dance one song with a partner, and two songs if the experience was particularly enjoyable. In Europe it is often considered rude to only dance once with a particular partner.

Asking for a dance

Although traditionally a lead (usually male) asks a follow (usually female) for a dance, in today's world, girls ask for dances just as often. Also, and especially if you're a beginner, don't just sit down and hope someone will ask you for a dance. The more advanced dancer may not know you are a dancer and might not ask you for dances for that simple reason. Go out there and ask for dances. And don't be shy, in all the swing dancing communities all around the world, it is considered rude to decline an offer for a dance, unless that person already promised the dance with someone else, or if the person is really tired and needs a break.

After the dance

A lead or follow should thank his or her partner for the dance and, if desired, ask for another. If there is a live band, they should also be applauded for their performance. Traditionally, the lead should then escort the follow back to her seat; however, this tradition is not widely followed for various reasons, to the point that escorting a follow off the dance floor might be seen as unusual in many dance venues.