Special attention must, then, be given to these three dances, and no great difficulty should be found in learning the steps.
Dancing properly so-called, is the active exertion of the body in sprightly, graceful movement, accompanied with exhilaration of the mind, and when indulged in by the young is a most beneficial and healthful recreation.
It is no argument against dancing in itself, that it is so often connected with many things that are injurious, such as heated room, late hours and the like, these belong to other considerations; but as an exercise, congenial both to the minds and the physical requirements of the young, it is like every exercise in which the mind enters with pleasure and interest into the exercise of the body, a most efficient promoter of health, and it is much to be regretted that its abuse and associations in many instances, both with physical and moral evil, should cause its abandonment in any place where there are young people.
THE ETIQUETTE OF THE BALLROOM.
Before giving a description of the various dances, a hint or two as to the etiquette of the ballroom may be found useful.
In the case of a private dance, the guests, on entering the ballroom, must seek out the hostess and pay their respects to her and those who may be assisting her in receiving.
If it is a public ball, the gentleman conducts his partner to the ladies’ dressing room, and then proceeds to the gentlemen’s dressing room. When ready to descend to the ballroom, he seeks his partner at the door of the apartment where he previously left her; or, if a sitting room be provided in addition to the dressing room, the lady will meet her partner there. They then enter the ballroom, and the necessary introductions are made.
An introduction given for the mere purpose of enabling a lady and gentleman to go through a dance together does not constitute an acquaintanceship. The lady is at liberty to pass the gentleman in the street the next day without recognition.
No lady should accept refreshments from a stranger at a public ball, for she would thereby lay herself under a pecuniary obligation.