Well, it depends on the snake. Mine took them from the get go no problem, and I don't do any dance, I just warm it up in some warm water, hang it infront of her hide and she takes it no issue.

If you are feeding live make sure the rat is no bigger around than the snakes middle, you will have to stand and supervise it, don't leave the rat unattended etc. It may be a good idea to feed the rat first and give it some water so that's not overly stressed or aggressive as well. If he hasn't eatten in 6 months I might be temped to try an overly small prey item just to make sure he still remembers what a feeding response and strike-constriction is...