It strikes me that there isn't enough courtesy at a dance or at dance classes sometimes.
People can often try to do a nice thing (like ask me for a dance) but sometimes it can come across quite rude.
- When I ask somebody for a dance I usually use the phrase "May I have the pleasure of a dance?", whilst making eye contact.
- When somebody asks me for a dance, I nearly always reply with "I'd be delighted! Shall we?".
I always had a preference for old-school manners and treating a lady like a real lady where possible
, and obviously those are personal phrases, but I like to think that they are fairly courteous and respectful of my dance partner even now.
I also try (at a dance) to...
- buy a drink for at least one acquaintance that I haven't seen in a while,
- I certainly make a point of trying to dance with people I haven't seen for a while,
- I try to dance with students that I have taught at some point, and
- I try to dance with ladies that I have had to turn down on previous occasions due to fatigue etc.
What courteous or respectful phrases or actions do you employ at dances, or
would like to see more of at dances?
John.
