POINTS FOR DANCERS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LII, Issue 37, 8 May 1931, Page 6

POINTS FOR DANCERS

BALLROOM ETIQUETTE.

(By M.C.)

Although at the present time dancing is as popular as ever it was, ballroom etiquette seems to have undergone radical changes—for the worse, in most instances. The graceful and dignified mien of the dancers of a few decades ago (that is, the male portion, of course) seems to have degenerated into something between a slouch and a swagger, while even the common courtesies once extended to the fairer sex have been replaced, in many instances, by shockingly bad manners, which inspire the following hints to dancers:— Don't trouble to get up when the M.C. announces a dance; take your own time. Wait until the dance is half over, and then blame the band for cutting the number too short. Don't fail to criticise the band, no matter how good it is. You have paid your good money, and you are entitled to your opinion. Don't listen to the music when dancing; create as much noise as you can to drown it. Then complain to the committee that the band is hot loud enough. Don't help the M.C. out of a hole, when he is attempting to'fill up a set; let him wait. This will hold up the dance and afford you much inward joy. Don't remain in the ballroom when the M.C. announces a franchise dance; go out and hide where the girls cannot find you. Don't imagine that the dance is organised for mutual enjoyment; enjoy yourself in your own way, and let the others go hang. Don't be so foolish as to wait your turn to go into supper; make a point of pushing your way in with the first bunch. Don't be so snobbish as to wear gloves when dancing; the more pretty frocks you can spoil the better for the j drapers. Don't bother about waltzing if you are not too good at it; do a one-step, a foot-trot, or any old dance. The other dancers will appreciate this—so will the band. Don't forget to guide your partner up and down the centre of the floor; you will probably bump those who are dancing in a circle, but it doesn't matter. It is your enjoyment that must be considered. Don't spend too much time looking for your coat or hat in the cloakroom; take any one that fits, so long as it is a better one than your own. Don't apologise to a lady if you step on her toes; she should keep them out of your way. Don't stop jazzing in a square dance just because the band stops; keep on going for a few more rounds. In any case, the musicians are almost sure to be wrong. Don't forget to criticise the supper; eat as much as you can, and then tell everybody it is no good. Don't stick to your engagements; let the lady sit it out. Don't join in the fun of a flirtation dance; hang on to your partner when the music breaks. This is always less risky if you wi3h to continue dancing. Don't give up your partner in an "Excuse Me" dance; the "excuse-me" is not meant for you. Don't attend any dance where you cannot behave exactly as you please. Don't conform to any of the recognised rules of dancing; do everything your way. The others must be wrong. Dont' be such a fool as to pay the admission charge for a lady; escort her to the door, and let her pay her own way. This is as much as you should reasonably be expected to do. Don't forget to complain to the committee about everything in connexion with the dance; they will appreciate this, and try to do better next time.