“Dear Edie,
What is proper etiquette? The man to lead the way to the dance floor or the gal?
Hmmm? Let me know.
– Lil’ Etiquette”
Dear Lil’ Etiquette,
Since the woman is the one who is following, it is only natural, that she “follow” her partner to the dance floor. It looks so nice when a man gently pulls his partner to the dance floor by one hand. If a woman takes the guy’s hand, and pulls him to the dance floor, it appears that she is the domineering one; taking lead, taking control, and the stronger, decision-maker of the two. She looks aggressive and almost intimidating. In dancing, all chauvinism aside, the woman is the more delicate, the more frail of the two, and the one that must follow. “She” should be the one displayed, and lead to the floor.
It looks tacky if it appears the woman is leading a guy onto the dance floor. The woman should make it look like the man asked “her” – not the other way around. Even if she ask HIM to dance, it should still appear as if he asked HER. It’s old fashioned I know, but it’s nice. If he asked “her”, then HE is more willing to dance with her than she is with him. It’s the old female hard-to-get attitude we all know and love…..
Another appropriate way of leading the woman to the floor would be when the man “allows” her onto the floor as if he was sitting her down at a dinner table for example. He should walk in front of her and lead her across the carpet to the edge of the dance floor. Once he gets to the edge, he can gently place her in front of him, by placing his hand gently on her back, and allow her to first step on the floor, in a very gentleman-like fashion. He should then take her hand, pull her close, and start the dance.
How Romantic…
Happy Dancing!
– Edie, The Salsa FREAK!!
Edie The Salsa FREAK!! Website
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