Hi all, I'd like to suggest a style point for consideration. This is standard in some communities, not in others, but it makes a (almost oddly) big difference to my comfort as a dancer.
>From when I was originally taught the courtesy turn, "the ladies make a little teapot" part (right arm the handle, left hand the very bent spout, you all get the picture), and that that right hand on a lady's hip is there "so that the gentlemen can BE gentlemen and take the ladies by the hand, not the waist." This second part is very important to me personally as a matter of dance etiquette. I have no trouble with an arm around my waist for swings, star promenade/butterfly whirls, any number of other moves most likely, but for some reason the gentlemen being gentlemanly really stuck with me and--for me--makes a full arm around the waist during a courtesy turn feel literally too close for comfort. Kindly consider this point in future dances, teaching sessions, &c., for what it's worth. My suggestion for dancing would be, ladies, make your right hand an easy target, and, gents, be sensitive to such a target when reaching for a lady on a courtesy turn. And thank you for your consideration. Lark Speyer Boston area -- Try being a warrior for freedom and go be who you really want to be, and keep doing it. --"Civil War: 2061" Game Rules
