strathspey@strathspey.org:27840

Fyreladdie

Re: Pre-Booking (was Cribs)

Oct. 10, 2001, 4:22 p.m. (Message 27840, in reply to message 27790)

In a message dated 10/10/01 5:52:16 AM, xxxxxx@xxx.xxx writes:

<< If one has to hurry to find one's next partner before someone else asks

them to dance, this means having to dump one's last partner straight after

the bow and curtsey and dash off.  I think it's nice to be able to amble 

off the floor having a chat with the person you've just shared a dance 

with, without the pressure of having to start looking for a partner for 

the next one. >>

Jan,
    You have hit upon one of my favorite subjects. Ballroom etiquette 
dictates that the gentleman escorts his partner on and off the floor. I teach 
this in my classes as the proper thing to do and a nice touch. The lady may 
choose to exempt you from that responsibility if her next partner is near by 
and wishes to remain on the floor. I fear in my efforts to be a gentleman, I 
have lost opportunities to gain a new partner of choice, due to pre-booking 
and eagerness of others to secure partners before leaving the floor. But I 
believe that respect for my present partner is far more important. It often 
gives me an opportunity to dance with ladies who are not always asked. It can 
be delighful and surprising.

Bob Mc Murtry
Felton, Calif