Dancing
INTRODUCTIONS. The man must be introduced to the woman, and should ask her for the pleasure of a dance.
MEN. A man should greet the host as soon as possible after seeing the hostess.
At any function where patronesses are present, a man should bow to the one inviting him, and give her a few words of greeting.
At balls all men should dance, and those
who do not, have no place there, though
invited.
If a man comes alone and has no partner, he should seek hostess or assistants, and request an introduction to women who dance.
After a dance a man should take a short stroll about the room with his partner before returning to her chaperone. Before retiring he may converse with her in general terms, from which he should have refrained previously.
A man escorting one or more women should see that they are cared for when supper is announced.
A man in conversation with a woman when supper is announced, if she is not engaged, may offer to take her into supper. Her chaperone should be invited at the same time.
Introductions should be made as much as possible before the dancing begins.
If introduced to a young woman, and she is free of engagement for the next dance, the man should invite her to dance.
Before asking a chaperoned woman to
dance, the man should ask permission of her
chaperone.
A man should pay especial attention to the women of the house, and invite them to dance as early as possible.
A man should seek out those women who, for some reason, are neglected by selfish men, especially unmarried women, and invite them to dance.
Men should keep engagements a few minutes before each dance.
If for some good reason it is desired to break an engagement, it should be done so as to leave ample time for the other to secure a partner for that dance.
In round dances, the man supports the woman with right arm about her waist, taking care not to hold her too closely. His left hand holds her right one, both extended.
The woman should indicate when she desires
to stop dancing.
All persons should be at a formal dance
not later than half an hour after the hour set.
A man should secure his carriage-check.
It is safer to take wraps and coats to the
house in case of accidents.
GLOVES. Gloves should be worn at formal
dances, and should be put on before entering
the room.
SHAKING HANDS. It is not customary to shake
hands at formal dances.
SMOKING. Smoking should not be allowed in
the dressing-room, but a special room should
be provided. Men who dance should not
smoke until leaving the house.
WOMEN. The time for the formal dance is indicated
on the invitation, and all should be
there not later than half an hour after the
time set.
At private dances the maid takes and calls for the young woman in the absence of a male escort.
Young women should be chaperoned at all
formal dances by their mother or others.
Introductions should be made as much as
possible before the dancing begins.