Victorian Period Music and Dance Page

HILLGROVE'S BALLROOM GUIDE

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Practical Dancer
Thomas Hillgrove wrote this guide in 1863 and it was approved by Congress in that same year. It contains descriptions of all fashionable and approved dances, full directions for calling the figures, the amount of music required; hints on etiquette, etc.
In the section on Deportment in the Ball-Room he writes
On entering a ball-room, all thought of self should be dismissed. The petty ambition of endeavoring to create a sensation by either dress, loud talking, or unusual behavior, is to be condemned; also the effort to monopolize a certain part of the room during the evening, or forming exclusive circles when unanimity and good feeling should prevail, are, to say the least, exceptionable.
A gentleman should not address a lady unless he has been properly introduced. It is improper also for two gentlemen to dance together when ladies are present.
An introduction in the ball-room for the purpose of dancing, does not entitle you to afterwards claim acquaintance with a partner.

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BALLROOM DANCING

Ball-room Dancing is one of the fine arts. It is to be done cheerfully and with joy. Ladies should have dresses not to long and touch the floor as they would be torn before the evening has half expired. Ladies should remember that the men look to the effect of the dress in setting off the figure and countenance of a lady, rather than the cost. There is little variation in gentlemen’s ball attire, it being generally black. Special attention should always be given to the Master of Ceremonies. Dances are of many kinds, as follows; The Grand March, Spent Waltz, Virginia Reel, Gay Gordon, Galopede, Soldier’s Joy, Poka, Waltz, Cumberland Reel Fan Dance, and The Broom Dance.

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