Many people seem to shy away from the word “etiquette”. It has an old-fashioned sound. But etiquette, after all, is merely the practical application of good common sense and attractive manners. Ballroom dancing is a partnership and group activity and so it concerns other people beside yourself. There is never…

In a whole roomful of dancers, did you ever spot one person whom you wished could be your partner? You’ll notice that it isn’t appearance alone that attracts you. There is another quality that draws your attention like a magnet. Call it “charm”—or “personality”… however you describe it, it shows…

Part Two found here. Exercise 6 Do your knees crra-ack as you bend? You can oil them with his exercise—it’s mean to overcome stiff knee joints. It will help you to take smooth dancing steps, rather than the jerky movements of a beginner. To begin: stand up straight in a…

Part One found here. Exercise 3 If you find it difficult to keep your balance during this exercise, don’t be discouraged—it merely proves that you need the practice. It will come easily after a few tries. This is glamour training—it will develop supple muscles in your diaphragm and waistline. Stand…

At every newsstand you will find books of instructions for playing tennis, golf, swimming, and so on. This information is easy to read and digest—but do you feel that you could perform these muscular activities just by knowing about them? Dancing deals with the muscles, too. You can pick up…

Don’t start off on the wrong foot! The man always starts with his left foot—the girl with her right. Easy? Sure, if you know your left from your right… do you? Don’t, ladies, oh don’t hang your full weight on your partner’s arm… he can’t dance for both of you….

Good balance is the ability to maintain your equilibrium easily, lightly. If you have ever noticed a small child, toddling about, you have seen that it takes times before a steady, upright walk is achieved. We learn to balance our weight through practice. Before we go on, supposing you try…

It is annoying to be told to “stand up straight”. Yet, we all envy the appearance of those with good posture. When a person wants to look his best, they automatically lifts their head and stand tall and erect. There is no trick to achieving perfect carriage—it’s easy to learn….

This is not meant for ladies only. Watch a tennis player, swimmer, skater—even a boxer—and you will realize that men can be graceful, too. To be graceful means to move lightly and without effort. We are not born with this ability; it comes only through training and strengthening the muscles….

Don’t be afraid of your partner! For Men: girls want to be launched… they want to step out on the floor with a partner. That’s why they dress up for dances. You may not be a Fred Astaire, but you’re a mighty welcome sight to the girl you choose. She’s…