Part 39 (2/2)
The Most Desirable Dances.
In making up a dancing program, quadrilles should always find a place, since many can walk through its measures that will not undertake the more active dances. It also gives opportunity for the graceful curtsy which no lady should fail to learn, and can be enlivened with conversation.
To the alluring round dances, polka, schottische, waltz, etc., there are many who strongly object, but, danced in private homes and in most cases under the eye of the young girl's mother, there can be found nothing dangerously objectionable in this favorite amus.e.m.e.nt. The minuet is a stately, beautiful old dance that is sometimes introduced, enabling both old and young to join in its slow and gracious measure.
New steps, new changes and new dances, with the technical features of which it is not the province of this book to deal, are continually coming into vogue with each season. A few words, however, with regard to the general etiquette of that justly popular dance, the German, will be in place here. The German, called the ”Cotillion” in France and in Germany, where it originated, is the most fascinating dance in social use. b.a.l.l.s at which it is to appear, signifying that fact in the invitations sent out are more elaborate in their arrangements, and are held to a later hour, since the earlier portion of the night is devoted to waltzing and other dances, and the German is not commenced until after supper.
Many leave before it begins, especially those who expect to make the tour of several b.a.l.l.s and receptions during the night. A second and hot supper is usually served at its close, to those who partic.i.p.ate in its measures. Be certain when the German is to be introduced that a sufficient number of men are invited to make the affair a success.
The leader of the cotillion is chosen by the hostess, and should be thoroughly familiar with all its figures, new and old; skilled to command, and prompt to bring order out of confusion; at the same time energetic and good tempered. As there will always be some in a German who do not understand it, the leader must be ready to help them out.
Such parties should take their places near the end, and, in this way, will become familiar with a figure before it is their turn to dance.
No Favorites to be Allowed.
The leader will also see that gentlemen do not neglect some ladies for the pleasure of dancing frequently with more favored partners. In this he should be a.s.sisted by the hostess, and gentlemen should never disregard her quiet suggestion on this score. After all, ”the ball-room is a more fitting field for a display of the Christian graces than most Evangelical people are willing to admit.”
All those dancing the German must consider themselves as introduced, and each lady or gentleman is free to call ”up” any partic.i.p.ant for his or her partner. In fact it is desirable that they should do so, since by devoting themselves entirely to their acquaintance there is danger of some being debarred from the amus.e.m.e.nt. For these reasons the German is unsuited for a public ball, and fitted only for a private house where the invitation is expected to certify the character of the guest.
Varied and beautiful are the figures that may be adopted, but the scope of this book will not permit full instructions for its elaborate changes. One suggestion, however, is in point; do not choose those ”romping” figures where the fun is liable to become too fast and furious for ball-room decorum. The figures requiring ”properties,”
such as ribbons, flags, j.a.panese lanterns, ap.r.o.ns, mirrors, etc., should have all the necessary articles carefully provided beforehand.
During most of the figures, ”favors” are distributed; flowers, amusing trinkets, or sometimes pretty little souvenirs are given. Rosettes, scarf pins, bangles, tiny flags, artificial b.u.t.terflies, bon-bons in embroidered satin bags, badges, painted silk sachets, etc., are all appropriate. Tiny lanterns filled with perfume, and sometimes amusing toys will add to the fun of the occasion. It is better taste to give simple articles than to resort to the gifts of great value that some hostesses have bestowed, since such giving always suggests ostentation. Flowers alone are sometimes used and it is not necessary to make the favors a source of undue expense.
Regrets must be sent one's hostess if unable to attend a German, that the place may be filled. If a gentleman invites a lady especially as his partner for a German, he should send her a bouquet and if some unforeseen occurrence should prevent his attendance, he must at once send her an explanatory regret to that effect.
Private b.a.l.l.s Given in Public.
Many hostesses, feeling the inadequacy of their parlors to accommodate all the guests that they wish to invite at one time, without disagreeable overcrowding, have adopted the custom of giving their large entertainments at public a.s.sembly rooms. This custom, while it frees the hostess from much care, must also be deplored as depriving the gathering of that home atmosphere which is ever a safeguard.
The etiquette is the same as that of a private ball, and after calls are demanded within the same length of time. The decorations and arrangements resemble closely as possible those of a private house.
Public b.a.l.l.s.
Much of the etiquette given for Private b.a.l.l.s governs the conduct of those attending public entertainments of the same nature.
Introductions, however, must be sought before any attentions are offered a lady, and there is much more care exercised in granting them than under a private roof. Gentlemen, too, use their own pleasure in the choice of partners, not having the courtesy of their hostess to regard in this respect.
Of course, Military, Charity and Civic b.a.l.l.s are under the charge of trustees and committees, who not only take charge of the convenience of the guests, but endeavor by all means within their power to regulate the social standing of those obtaining _entree_ to the a.s.sembly. In many of the large cities a board of lady patronesses add prestige and a certain home protection to the successful carrying out of a public ball of the highest order. It seems to supply the protection of a hostess to the _fete_.
A young girl, even if the omission be excused at a private ball, does not attend a public affair of this nature without a chaperon. Late hours are more especially objectionable at public b.a.l.l.s than at a private house. One, or half-past, should find the adieux made.
A young lady, in refusing to dance with a gentleman, is not obliged to sit the dance out as she would be at the house of a mutual friend. She may, however, if she wish, do it in deference to his feelings.
[Ill.u.s.tration: THE MASQUERADE a.s.sEMBLY.]
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