Guide to Victorian Dance

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Dance, Dancing, and Dancers: The How-To Guide to Victorian Dance

It is with a great sense of responsibility and delight that I bring to you, young people on the verge of entering society, this short dissertation concerning the guidelines for cultured dance. I am confident that, as long as you adhere strictly to what is written in this manual, you will succeed in all your dancing endeavors.

Dancer's Place in Society

Due to the exquisite tastes of our Queen Victoria, dance, which is intimately aligned with musical ability, has become an integrated part of our society. Although the variety of dance ranges from the new Viennese waltz and the Sir Roger De Coverly to square dances and hornpipes, the most popular is the Polka. Learn it well ("Victorian"). As Mr. James Grant describes dance: " With what powerful emotions does many a fair bosom beat at the mere mention of it! It is the everlasting topic of conversation in the aristocratic circles" (Jackson).

A Lady's Place in Dance

Of all the things to remember, it is of the upmost importance to remember to properly present yourself as a sophisticated young woman. It is more valuable that your dress should complement your figure than be of the current style. Ladies must always be accompanied to a dance by an appropriate escort. Do not refuse a gentleman of your acquaintance a dance unless you have already accepted the invitation of another. If a gentleman with whom you are not acquainted asks permission to dance, politely refuse. Leaving the ballroom unaccompanied is unacceptable. When not dancing, avoid excessive whispering and chattering, and when dancing, always portray pleasure with your dancing partner. Finally, under no circumstances should a lady cross a ballroom unattended ("Ballroom"). Always portray yourself as a sophisticated young lady, remembering your duty to the host, to fellow guests, and to yourself.

A Gentleman's Place in Dance

Gentlemen are expected to know very well what is required of them. When asking a lady for a dance, use such phrases as, "Will you honor me with this dance?" or "Shall I have the pleasure?" A true gentleman will not sit next to a lady who is not an acquaintance of his. Under the circumstance that he knows her, he may ask permission to sit. Without proper introduction, a gentleman should not ask a lady to dance. White gloves must be worn at all times, taken off only to eat supper.

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