Not a bad list
, but personally I think that your order is wrong, and that several "rules" could be combined into one. {You may also find some usefull tips under the "Beginner" section of this forum
}
3. Smile, relax, have fun. this should be first on the list - if you're not having fun, then you're not dancing.
6. Hang in there. 8. Practice lots. I don't agree with the text under 6, but I do agree with the sentiment. I also think that a "Don't stop dancing" should be included in this rule - if you screw up, if your partner does something unexpected, if you can't remember what to do...
don't stop!. It helps develop freestyle instincts and quicky releases you from the "panic mode" areas of dancing. I would also include something about asking as many (different) people to dance as you can and to only refuse if you have good reason.
4. Take responsibility. 1. Protect your partner! One and the same thing - and it applies to both lead and follower - you both should watch out for each other and be responsable for your own safety (esp in 'advanced' moves)
These are the only rules I would introduce beginners to, with a footnote of
2. Remember hygiene. including a "dance bag" and "shoes" bit.
For "improvers" (ie beginners beyond the first couple of weeks) I would probably expand on these and include the next set of "tips" to improve their dancing...
9. Write moves down. It works for some people, but just as valid are watching other dancers and watching videos. This is more of an expansion on the "Practice" rule - no point in writing moves down if you don't practice them or use them again once you've recorded them.
5. Find the beat. 12. (Advanced tip): Listen to the music. again I'm not sure I agree with the text, but the idea of
listening to the music and being aware of it is sound.
7. Get feedback. I think that this should only be done for one or two dances in an evening, or only at the end of a dance: worrying about "am i doing this right/that right" is more liable to produce less confident dancers. Personally I think that the only "feedback" dances should be with teachers or taxis.
10. Don't be too timid. Again, I'm not convinced of the wording, and I would expand it into "be aware of yourself": knowing where your arms are, your legs are, your centre of gravity is, etceteras enables you to move better and respond quicker. Possably a few little tips here like
keep your knees slightly bent, esp on turns" and
"don't take too big a step back - use your body to give the illusion of distance if necissary" may be included.
I would only mention
11. Help beginners. as "Remember how your are dancing now" as a footnote - not really a tip; just a courtesy.
I also notice that you are preaching only to leads - all the points above are applicable to followers as well (I think).