On-Line and In-Person
Safety Tips & Advice

Meeting new people is always fun, and dancers tend to be the nicest people! However, just to make sure you don't find yourself in an awkward, or even unsafe, situation we would like to offer a few tips for your utmost safety and enjoyment of this site.

1. Go Slow
   Get to know someone on-line via several e-mail exchanges before you make any commitments to meet.
   
2. Moderation
   Don't tell your whole life's story in your first e-mail. Some people can become overwhelmed with your candor. Instead, reveal a few of the most important things to you and what you're looking for in a partner. If things go well, there will be plenty of time for more details later.
   
3. Don't reveal Personal Information
   Don't disclose your real name, phone number, address, or other personal information until well after you've met in person, perhaps several times, and established a trusting relationship.
   
4. Look at their Photos!
   A photo reveals so much about a person. If they've chosen not to display a photo at DancePartner.com, ask them why not! Then ask your new friend to upload a photo or two of themselves. Photos can be very revealing about a person.
   
5. Be Gracious
   Perhaps after your first or second correspondence, one of you feels there is no match. Be gracious! Don't express frustration or irritation to the other person. It will only reflect poorly on your character. Instead, move on. There are plenty of people in the dance world - and not everyone is a match for any one person.
   
6. Watch out for red flags!
   Does your contact raise any red flags? Trust your gut reaction. If it sounds strange, be wary. Some things to be concerned about:
• You've corresponded by e-mail a few times but certain information is inconsistent, such as where they live, their age, their occupation, or their goals.
• After corresponding, you feel there is no match whatsoever but they become overly insistent.
• Direct questions you've asked remain unanswered.
• They live far away yet are willing to meet you without getting to know you first.
  
7. Meet in a known public place
   If you both decide to meet, make it a public location. Certainly, a dance studio that you already frequent is a great choice. A club in an out of the way location you know nothing about might be in a poor/dangerous neighborhood and should be avoided.