Page 20 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Male and Female Etiquette 4

among men and women, of all classes with a business to promote. There was a
rigid distinction between business and visiting cards, and it was considered to be
in very poor taste to use a business card when making a social call. A business
card, left with the servants, could imply that you had called to collect a bill.
$ Callers should always be provided with cards. A gentleman should carry them
loose in a convenient pocket; but a lady may use a card case. No matter how
many members of the family you call upon, you send in but one card. Where
servants are not kept, and you are met at the door by the lady herself, of course
there is no use for a card. If you call upon a friend who has a visitor, send in but
one card; but if they are not at home, leave a card for each.

Etiquette in the Ballroom (Dancing Etiquette)
$ Ladies and gentlemen were on their best behavior in the ballroom. Manners

were more formal, clothing was finer, and bows were deeper. Men were
expected to be extremely active in the ballroom to make up for the total passivity
required of ladies; who could not ask gentlemen to dance, and who could not
even be seen to cross the dance floor unescorted. Ladies would be conveyed to
their station by a gentleman, and there they would wait until another gentleman
came to speak to them, ask them to dance or convey them to the punchbowl.
$ A gentleman should always walk around a lady=s train and never attempt to step
over it. If by accident he should tread upon her dress, he should beg her pardon,
and if by greater awkwardness he should tear it, he must offer to escort her to the
dressing room so that it may be repaired. If in the ballroom a lady asks any favor
of a gentleman, such as to inquire if her carriage is waiting, he should under no
circumstances refuse her requests...well bred gentleman will look after those who
are unsought and neglected at the dance.
$ A man who knows how to dance, and refuses to do so, should absent himself
from a ball.
$ Noisy talking and boisterous laughter in ballroom are contrary to the rules of
etiquette.
$ Always wear white gloves in a ballroom. Very light shades are admissible.
$ Usually a married couple does not dance together in society, but it is a sign of
unusual attention for a husband to dance with his wife, and he may do so if he
wishes.
$ Ladies and gentleman could not dance unless they had been introduced, so the
hosts and escort spent much of the evening rushing about making introductions.