I am tall and heavyset. I love to dance but when after just a short while I find I am sweating profusely. I am embarrassed about this and tend to stay off the floor because of it... any suggestions?

Are you wearing light, loose clothing that "breathes?"

Depending on where your dancing and the dress code, are you tucking in your shirt? Some gentlemen, again depending on venue and dress code, wear Hawaiian, Cuban, Tommy Bahamas shirts that can be worn loose as it's coming into summer. Wearing clothing that "breathes" and does not hold in heat, per se, is not only a good suggestion - it will keep you cooler overall. Much like recreational sports you could look for clothing and such that "wicks" away moisture. Take a second shirt with you, 100% cotton breaths really well,no one will think your weird. Some partners I dance with actually received permission and have hung their second shirt in the venue freezer to help cool them off when they get hot and sweaty and need to change, they also keep a shirt in their car. Not a big deal. Also, some of the gentlemen who tend to have sweaty hands have some sort of talc powder and/or small handtowel with them so as to absorb the moisture. Hope this helps.

Another option is a personal fan. Also over time the sweating will diminish, as you get use to dancing and build up your muscles.

The good news, I think, DancingBob, is that for people who sweat a lot -- that's a sign that you are healthy. I hardly sweat at all, even after a long period of dancing, and I sometimes wonder what the deal is with that. Obviously, something in between, is probably best for your skin and your comfort zone. I have a couple of friends who have the same problem you do, and I notice they usually have a small hand towel with them in their shoe bag or coat pocket (during winter months). Otherwise, the looser and cooler clothing could help. But I am guessing you are just prone to sweating, no matter what activity you would be involved in. It is possible that it will diminish over time, but I have a feeling it is something you are born with and will have to figure out some tools to help you deal with it when doing an exercise like dancing.