You are more likely to get asked to dance if you are looking at people. Glance around the room and make eye contact with people. You'll be amazed how many will take that as an invitation to ask you to dance.

If you are sitting people will assume you are resting. Stand up, preferably at the edge of the dance floor facing the dancing – it sends the signal that you are interested in what's going on and open to joining in the dancing.

People want to enjoy themselves and gravitate to others who enjoy themselves. If you are visibly enjoying the music they will notice and it will make you a more appealing potential dance partner.

If you are constantly stood chatting to friends a potential dance partner would think twice about interrupting you – its only manners! – if you are alone you are immediately a more appropriate choice. Also it can be intimidating to approach a group of people but an individual is much less daunting.

Seems obvious but if you haven't had a dance for a few songs and are getting cheesed off, it can really show in your body language – and that in turn will ensure that no-one dares to come close! Relax, shrug it off and smile.

If you are stood with a drink in your hand you look like you are taking a rest. Have a drink and put it down – empty hands are easier to take hold of and guide onto the dance floor.

If people are watching you on the dance floor and you look like you are enjoying yourself it will make you more appealing to dance with, and you may find you get asked to dance as soon as you come off the dance floor. Personally Id rather dance with a beginner who is enjoying themselves than an expert who never smiles!

Go and ask someone to dance! Girls are the worst for this – newsflash, its just as intimidating for guys to ask as it is for girls! Get brave – start with people you know or have danced with before then graduate to people you have met in the lessons and when you get more confident approach friendly looking strangers! And don't be put off if someone says no – usually they have a good reason like they are resting – and if they don't have a good reason then they are clearly dance snobs and not worth dancing with anyway! Their loss.

Everyone started as a beginner – I still remember how that felt – do you? If you turn people down it will get noticed and that guy or girl you have your eye on to dance with may decide not to ask if they see you turning people away!

Even if it was the worst dance you've ever had. Be polite. It will be noticed by others and will have a knock on effect to how they act towards you. Rude or arrogant behaviour makes you unappealing to dance with – and that beginner you snubbed may well turn out to be awesome in two years time and you can bet your bottom dollar they will remember if you were less than gracious! If you enjoyed the dance say so – it will make people feel good and they will know to ask you again. You could always ask for another dance there and then if you feel you both enjoyed the dance – but don't be too keen – a couple of dances is great but if you hound the same person all night they will be likely to avoid you in future!