INTRODUCTIONS. The man must be introduced
to the woman, and should ask her for the
pleasure of a dance.
MEN. A man should greet the host as soon as
possible after seeing the hostess.
At any function where patronesses are
present, a man should bow to the one inviting him,
and give her a few words of greeting.
At balls all men should dance, and those
who do not, have no place there, though
invited.
If a man comes alone and has no partner,
he should seek hostess or assistants, and request
an introduction to women who dance.
After a dance a man should take a short
stroll about the room with his partner before
returning to her chaperone. Before retiring
he may converse with her in general terms,
from which he should have refrained previously.
A man escorting one or more women
should see that they are cared for when supper
is announced.
A man in conversation with a woman when
supper is announced, if she is not engaged,
may offer to take her into supper. Her
chaperone should be invited at the same
time.
Introductions should be made as much as
possible before the dancing begins.
If introduced to a young woman, and she
is free of engagement for the next dance, the
man should invite her to dance.
Before asking a chaperoned woman to
dance, the man should ask permission of her
chaperone.
A man should pay especial attention to the
women of the house, and invite them to
dance as early as possible.
A man should seek out those women who,
for some reason, are neglected by selfish
men, especially unmarried women, and invite
them to dance.
Men should keep engagements a few minutes
before each dance.
If for some good reason it is desired to
break an engagement, it should be done so
as to leave ample time for the other to secure
a partner for that dance.
In round dances, the man supports the
woman with right arm about her waist, taking
care not to hold her too closely. His left
hand holds her right one, both extended.
The woman should indicate when she desires
to stop dancing.
All persons should be at a formal dance
not later than half an hour after the hour set.
A man should secure his carriage-check.
It is safer to take wraps and coats to the
house in case of accidents.
GLOVES. Gloves should be worn at formal
dances, and should be put on before entering
the room.
SHAKING HANDS. It is not customary to shake
hands at formal dances.
SMOKING. Smoking should not be allowed in
the dressing-room, but a special room should
be provided. Men who dance should not
smoke until leaving the house.
WOMEN. The time for the formal dance is indicated
on the invitation, and all should be
there not later than half an hour after the
time set.
At private dances the maid takes and calls
for the young woman in the absence of a male
escort.
Young women should be chaperoned at all
formal dances by their mother or others.
Introductions should be made as much as
possible before the dancing begins.