No, you won't find any of your disco, hip hop or modern day music and dancing here, but you will gain some insight into our styles of dancing.  Below are some instructions to some of our most popular dances. Before you begin, however, you will need to know the definitions of some of the French terms used in them.

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Gilderoy

First couple down the center with the second lady, (leave the lady at the foot) back first couple down the center with the second gentleman (leave second gentleman at the foot) back--first couple down the outside pass in to center at the foot, up the center followed by second couple--right and left four.

The Lancers

Waltz in Double Time

(First beat) Slide in the direction of the left with the left foot. (Second and third beats.) Chassez to the left with the right foot, remembering not to turn--FIRST BAR. (First beat) Pass right foot to the rear while turning half-around (Second and third beats). Pass left foot behind the right foot, chassez forward completing the turn-- SECOND BAR. The great principle to be observed in all waltzes is to dance them smoothly and evenly with the sliding step, or glissade. All jumping or hopping should be at once discarded as eminently ungraceful.

The Galop

Among our notices of the round dances--not merely those which are fashionable, but even those that can by any possibility occur in any modern ball-room--we can not do better than describe the Galop. This is undoubtedly one of the fastest of dances, and from its life and spirit--also from the circumstance of its always being allied with the most dance-compelling music--it has always been, and, we venture to say, will continue to be a great favorite. The tempo (time) of the Galop is two-four, but the step resembles, as nearly as possible that of the Valse A Deux Temps (Waltz in Double Time). The great rapidity of this dance requires the utmost care to prevent its generating into a mere scramble. A good dancer should be able to introduce into the Galop every variety of reverse-movement.

The March

This figure, to be effective, should be danced by at least eight sets. Commence at the same time as the music.

Spanish Dance or Waltz

Couples form in a line, or in a circle around the hall, every two couples facing each other. In waltzing the gentleman should hold the lady by the right hand with his left, his right hand placed just above her waist, her left hand resting upon his arm just above the elbow. The arms should be kept in a rounded position preserving them without motion, which is the most graceful. All the beats should be clearly marked, being attentive to turn on the toes. Every turn in the waltz should be fully performed, so that in finishing, the waltzers will be opposite the side they were on when commencing, without which their course cannot be followed, causing confusion in the set.

The Rustic Reel

Each gentleman has two partners: from as for the Spanish Dance.

Each gentleman chassee with right hand lady, opposite and back--chassee out with the left hand lady opposite and back--all forward and back, pass through to the next couples.

The Schottische

The Schottische is danced in two-four time, the first and third beat in each bar being slightly marked. The slower the time is played, in moderation, the more pleasing the effect.

The gentleman takes the lady's waist and hand as in the polka, and starts off with the design of moving in circles; he slides forward the left foot, and as it stops, brings the right up to it smartly; slides the left forward again, and gives a spring on it, while he raises the right foot, and points it ready to start off with that, and repeat these movements. They may be continued without variation, the dancers revolving as in a waltz, if it is agreeable to the lady; but she may prefer that it should be continued as formerly danced. Then when the first step had been performed eight times--that is, four starting with the left foot and four with the right, alternately--the second part of the figure commences.

This consists of four double hops. Take two on the left foot, half turning at the same time, then two on the right, completing the round. Repeat this; resume the fist step for two bars; and so on throughout. But the Valse a Deux Temps (Waltz in Double Time) step is now generally substituted for the hops and indeed, when a Schottische is played, good dancers often use that step through it.

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