Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
When you are asked to dance and it is a horrific experience, do you have to finish the dance or can you just walk away? Sometimes it is so hard to continue dancing with a partner who is stepping on your toes or keeps trying to pull you too close. It’s like 2 or more minutes of pure torture.
Zero Tolerance
Dear Zero Tolerance,
It is your responsibility, Honey, to grin and bear it if you have accepted the invitation to dance. I am not saying that you have to be abused, but other potential dancers may be watching the situation and see if you act graceful or rude. Don’t look at your friends and roll your eyes or make faces. Be patient and smile; it will be over before you know it.
Dear Poppy,
Is it rude to say no to a dance and then dance with another who asks you?
Choosey
Dear Choosey,
You can choose to dance with whomever you wish; however, if you keep turning down invitations, soon no one will be asking you. Sweetie, leaders can be very sensitive to being turned down for a dance, and so can all the other leaders watching. Think twice before you say no to a dance.
