_Come and trip it as ye go
On the light fantastic toe._
--Milton.
The National Association of Dancing Masters is responsible for the
following rules. You may well think those dancers who disregard them
either ignorant, or awkward, or vulgar.
1) Face your partner at a distance of six or eight inches, bodies
parallel, shoulders parallel.
2) If you are leading, place your right hand between the shoulders of
your partner, keeping your right elbow well away from your body.
3) See that above, but not resting on this arm, is your partner's left
arm, at right angles with her body, her hand just back of the curve of
your shoulder.
4) Let your left hand, palm up, clasp your partner's right. A line from
these hands to the opposite elbows should be parallel with your parallel
bodies.
5) Remember,--bobbing and wriggling are taboo. Let the spring come from
the ankles and the knees. Imitate the grace of the swallow.