DON'T be late. It complicates matters for your hostess; not to mention the difficulty found in filling up your own programme.
DON'T, if a man, forget to ask your hostess for a dance.
DON'T neglect to dance, at least once, with each of the daughters of the house.
DON'T be a "wall-flower" and refuse to dance when ladies are sitting out and wish to dance.
DON'T introduce a lady to a gentleman, always present the gentleman to the lady.
DON'T introduce a gentleman to a lady without first obtaining the lady's permission to do so.
DON'T ask for this permission in the hearing of the gentleman. Do this beforehand, then fetch the gentleman and say "Miss Brown, may I introduce Mr. Smith?"
DON'T forget, when escorting a lady, to offer her your right arm. If, however, you are conducting her up or down stairs, give her the arm nearest the wall.
DON'T, when asked for a dance, make the excuse that you are tired, and then immediately afterwards, dance with another partner.
DON'T, after having refused a dance on the grounds that your programme is full, immediately give a dance to another partner.
DON'T, after the "supper dance," try and be first in the supper-room. If a "stand-up" supper be provided the gentleman should see that his partner has all she requires before taking any food himself.
DON'T dance in such an eccentric manner as to attract attention.
DON'T forget that there are others dancing, besides yourself and your partner.
DON'T dance in the opposite direction to that in which others are moving and DON'T continually monopolise the centre of the floor.
DON'T be too energetic, consider your partner.
DON'T smoke while dancing, and DON'T leave cigarette ends all over the house. Respect your hostess's furniture, paint and carpets, and DON'T risk setting the house on fire.
DON'T, if you have to leave early, make a fuss in endeavouring to find your hostess. It will make others feel that the time has come for them to go too. Should the hostess be at hand, naturally say goodbye, but if she is not in evidence, slip away as quietly as possible.
DON'T enter the ballroom again, once you have your coat or wraps on.
DON'T be too profuse in your adieux, express simply thanks for the pleasure received.
DON'T "cut" dances. Should this be done through some misunderstanding, apologise at once and give the reason for the delinquency.
DON'T leave before the end of a dance without having asked your various partners to excuse you from any dances still to come.
DON'T, unless on account of illness or some quite unforeseen and imperative circumstances, make last-minute excuses that you are not able to attend a dance. It may mean an odd man or lady, a matter often very difficult for the hostess to remedy at the last moment.
DON'T forget to call on your hostess, or leave a card within a week after attending a private dance. The call may be quite brief; the leaving of a card is generally considered quite sufficient.
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31/12/2006
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