Page:Modern Dancing (1914) Castle.djvu/141

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MODERN DANCING

scrupulously followed when dancing as well as under all other circumstances. The rules of etiquette are as strict for women as for men, and it is not necessary to be stiff and formal in order to follow them.

Both good manners and good dancing require a man to stand far enough from his partner to allow freedom of movement; he should not hug or clutch her during the dance. His arms should encircle her lightly, and he should barely rest his hand against her back, touching her only with his finger-tips and wrist.

So much has already been said about the vulgarity of the Bunny Hug that nothing need be added here except that many men attempt this sort of "strangle hold" when they are dancing. It is not only wrong from the standpoint of the dancing-teacher, but it is unpleasant for the lady and draws much adverse criticism from onlookers. Moreover, grace of movement is impossible under such circumstances. The two partners should dance in unison, lightly and easily, keeping together by perfection of step and perfect time rather than by the clutch of the man upon the lady's hand.

All this is no more etiquette than it is dancing, no more grace of manners than grace of body or

mind, but it marks the difference between the

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