Ball Etiquette
(from the Colonial Period)
* Dance with grace and modesty, neither affect to make a parade of your knowledge; refrain from great leaps and ridiculous jumps, which would attract the attention of all towards you.
* Never wait until the signal is given to take a partner, for nothing is more impolite than to invite a lady hastily, and when the dancers are already in their places; it can be allowed only when the set is incomplete.
* In private parties, a lady is not to refuse the invitation of a gentleman to dance, unless she is previously engaged. The hostess must be supposed to have asked to her house only those persons whom she knows to be perfectly respectable and of unblemished character, as well as pretty equal in position; and thus, to decline the offer of any gentleman present, would be a tacit reflection on the gentleman or lady of the house.
* The advice of Chesterfield to his son, in his commerce with society, to do as you would be done by, is founded on the Christian precept, and worth of commendation. Imagine yourself the victim of another's ridicule, and you will cease to indulge in a pastime which only gains for you the hatred of those you satirize, if they chance to observe you, and the contempt of others who have noticed your violation of politeness, and abuse of true society.
* In giving the hand for ladies chain or any other figures, those dancing should wear a smile, and accompany it with a polite inclination of the head, in the manner of a salutation. At the end of the dance, the gentleman conducts the lady back to her place, bows and thanks her for the honor which she has conferred. She also bows in silence, smiling with a gracious air.
* In these assemblies, we should conduct ourselves with reserve and politeness towards all present, although they may be unknown to us.
* Therefore, at last we come to realize that etiquette has not so much to do with formality or informality, but rather how one causes another to feel or think. We may sum up etiquette finally in this renowned way: Always try to follow the “Golden Rule,” and that is “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.”
