Hi everyone! This is my first post, so forgive me if this topic has been covered. (I couldn't find it) I'm an avid ballroom dancer and will be visiting Japan in 2012. (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and possibly Nara)

I have 2 questions:

First, where can I go ballroom dancing in Japan? (Or how can I go about finding a place to dance ballroom?)

And second, I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on what the protocol is for social dancing in Japan. (Traditionally, you extend a hand and ask if they would like to dance. Then you can get to know each other a little at a time as you are dancing.)

I want to make sure I am respecting the customs of ballroom dancing within the context of the Japanese culture and traditions so that I don't accidentally offend anyone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

There are sure to be ballroom dancing opportunities in the big cities..
probably need a bit of language ability to get in on them, though...

"Would you like to dance?" is the answer to your other question.
(In Japanese, of course..)

Thanks for the input! I am learning Japanese, but I'm not sure just how proficient I'll be by the time I visit Japan. I would consider myself an upper level beginner in speaking Japanese. (I don't quite see myself as lower intermediate yet.)

Just curious, but are you familiar with the different ballroom dance styles?

Me??
NO

Oh...ok. I was asking because one style is Latin dancing and can be very sensual and expressive. And since the Japanese seem to be more conservative, I'm trying to figure out what is acceptable within that particular style. Thanks!