Ballroom Specifics

Young ladies should avoid sauntering about the hall or leaving the ballroom alone; they should be accompanied by a guardian or a trustworthy gentleman of their acquaintance.

Never forget that ladies are to be first cared for, to have the best seats, the places of distinction and are entitled in all cases to your courteous protection.

Gentlemen must not bring weapons (pistols, swords, knives, etc) into the dancehall. Likewise, spurs are not to be worn into the building. Ladies are not usually expected to be carrying any weapons!

Form

For the dances, it should be remembered that the Lady is always to the
Gentleman's RIGHT.

In any particular dance, the Head Couple is the couple NEAREST the Band.

In a "Promenade Stance" the couple faces COUNTERCLOCKWISE
and holds both hands, with RIGHT hands on TOP of the LEFT hands.

REQUESTING DANCES

Gentlemen, it's an honor! Request it as such (“May I have the honor of this dance?”)

Ladies, never refuse one gentleman and accept another for the same dance, unless it was previously promised.  Be very careful how you refuse to dance with a gentleman. A prior engagement will, of course, excuse you but if you plead fatigue, do not dance the set with another.

Gentlemen, be very careful not to forget an engagement. It is an unpardonable breach of politeness.

ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Gentlemen, lead the lady on and off the dance floor. The gentleman should offer his arm to the lady who consents to dance with him. At the conclusion, he will re-conduct her to her place and thank her for the honor of the dance.

Lead a lady as lightly as you would tread a measure with a spirit of gossamer.

The customary honors’ of a bow and a curtsey should be given at the commencement and conclusion of each dance.

During the course of a dance, one should endeavor to look pleasant, politely greeting other couples in the set as one moves through the figures of the dance.  However, one should not dance or caper in a manner that would draw attention to oneself.

Dance quietly, do not kick and caper about, nor sway your body to and fro, dance only from the hips downwards.

Gentlemen, If a lady waltzes with you, beware not to press her waist; you must only lightly touch it with an open palm of your hand.

Gentlemen, always thank the lady for the honor of dancing with her

Ladies, a smile and a nod are sufficient responses to a gentleman's "Thank you"

Never dance with the same partner more than once or, at most, twice in an evening, especially with your spouse

Gentlemen, when at a dance you are expected to dance, and dance frequently, leaving no "wall-flowers" who are willing, and waiting to dance.