While The Kettle Boils

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 63, 6 September 1940, Page 34

While The Kettle Boils

Dear Friends, Last week I told you of a few observations I had made on hairdressing styles at a recent dance, But even a suitable hair style and a lovely frock does not make everything in the ball-room lovely. For girls who want to be a success at a dance, and to extract the maximum of enjoyment, there are some rules that it is as well to observe, First, do try and avoid leaving powder or lipstick on your partner’s evening suit. He won’t think very tenderly of you when he has to send it to be cleaned. Secondly, don’t wear a scratchy brooch or clasp in front of your frock that is likely to spoil the lapels of your partner’s coat. That suit put him back quite a few pounds, and it can’t be replaced as easily as a dance frock. Thirdly, wear flowers on your shoulder or your hair, but never in front of your corsage when you dance. They make a very nasty mess on a clean shirt front, besides getting ruined themselves. Fourth, remember to look over your partner’s right shoulder as you dance. If you turn your head to the left, you block his view and make it difficult for him to steer you accurately. Fifth, remember your partner is the one at the helm. Don’t attempt to lead him or make time. If he can’t lead(continued on next page)

WHILE THE KETTLE BOILS (continued from previous page) well, grin and bear it. All things come to an end sometime. Sixth, don’t sing or whistle in your partner’s ear. He won't like it, even though he may be too polite to say so. Seventh, don’t keep looking round at the other dancers, and hailing your friends if you recognise them. By the time greetings are over and you have got back into step again, the dance will probably be over. And your partner will not have enjoyed it. Eighth, don’t be always pulling out your powder puff or lipstick and repairing your complexion. If you feel your nose is really shiny, excuse yourself and retire to the proper place to repair the damage. Ninth, if you find yourself in the unenviable position, particularly at a private dance, where a stranger asks you for a dance-and you just keep on dancing, because neither can think of a polite excuse to break away-remember that a girl can always do this with politeness, whereas a man may give the impression that he really wants to take to his heels. Tenth, don’t slip up dances. This will give you a reputation for an unsporting instinct that you will find very difficult to live down, Always play fair. If you promise a dance, even though you are not particularly enthusiastic, see it through. Lastly, remember this. Conversation is an art, but there are times when it can degenerate into a bore. Conversation at dances should be nicely regulated, like a well-behaved watch. Be bright, entertaining, but don’t think it is an obligation to chatter to be a success. There are times when silence is golden-and no time more than in the progress of a dance. It is impossible to dance well and talk intelligently at the same time. So, a soulful silence, please. Yours cordially,

Cynthia