Dancing Etiquette

 

Ballroom Etiquette was taken very seriously. I have found some interesting info on the subject and have posted it below. Knowing how they would have acted back then helps us to keep the ball as historically accurate as possible. And, well.... let's face it-it just makes it even more enjoyable :)

 

 

 

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.

No young lady should go to a ball, without the protection of a married lady, or an elderly gentleman.

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

After dancing, a gentleman should invariably conduct a lady to a seat, unless she otherwise desires: and in fact, a lady should not be unattended, at any time in a public assembly.

If you accompany your wife to a dancing party, be careful not to dance with her, except perhaps for the first set.

A gentleman should not address a lady unless he has been properly introduced.

In inviting a lady to dance, the words, "Will you honor me with your hand . . ." are used more now than "Will you give me the pleasure of dancing . . .".

Certain persons are appointed to act as floor managers . . . if you are entirely a stranger, it is to them you must apply for a partner.

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.

A gentleman introduced to a lady by a floor manager . . . should not be refused by the lady if she is not already engaged, for her refusal would be a breach of good manners.

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

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

The fall of a couple is not a frequent occurrence in a ball room, but when it does happen it is almost always the man's fault. Girls take much more naturally to the graceful movements of the dance, and are, besides, more often taught in childhood than their brothers.

Never remain in a ballroom until all of the company have left, or even until the last set. It is ill bred, and looks as if you are unaccustomed to such pleasures, and so desirous to prolong each one. Leave while there are two or three sets to be danced.

It is best to carry two pairs of gloves, as in contact with dark dresses, or in handling refreshments, you may soil a pair, and thus will be under the necessity of offering your hand covered in a soiled glove to some partner. You can slip unperceived from the room, change the soiled for a fresh pair, and then avoid that mortification.

 

Upon entering the ballroom, the gentleman’s first duty was to procure a program for his partner, and to introduce his friends, who placed their names on her card for the dances engaged. The sound of a trumpet was generally the signal for the assembly to take their positions on the floor for dancing. A gentleman would, in all cases, dance the first set with the lady in company with him, after which he could exchange partners with a friend; or dance again with her, as circumstances or inclination would dictate.

A Victorian lady could not refuse the invitation of a gentleman to dance, unless she had already accepted that of another, for she would be guilty of an incivility. Ladies who danced often, would be very careful not to boast of the great number of dances for which they were engaged in advance before those who danced but little or not at all. They would also, without being seen, recommend these less fortunate ladies to gentlemen of their acquaintance. At a private ball or party, a lady would show reserve, and not show more preference for one gentleman than another; moreover, she would dance with all who asked properly.