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,
No one had to talk me into taking dance lessons. Years ago, I rushed down to a local dance studio and began taking ballroom dance lessons. Just once around the dance floor and I knew that I was going to be dancing for the rest of my life. Dancing is a life-time hobby that has kept me fit and healthy, and I have made lifelong friendships. Please pass this message on to your readers.
Once Around The Dance Floor
Dear Once Around,
Well said, Sugar! The benefits of dancing are abundant. Thank you for reminding us of how wonderful it feels when we are dancing and the benefits we receive. Sometimes we become too serious and forget about all the fun and enjoyment we have with dancing.
Dear Poppy,
Many of us become rigid in our dancing by dancing only with others that we know dance well. I asked a woman to dance that wasn’t part of our regular group last week. To my surprise, it just took once around the dance floor to know that she was a wonderful dancer. I won’t judge a new face on the dance floor the same again.
Pleasantly Surprised
Dear Pleasantly Surprised,
It’s hard to break the habits of the cliques that form around the dance world, Sweetie. I guess there aren’t enough good leaders like you who want to better their lead by dancing with a variety of follows, not just the follows that they dance with all the time. Good for you!
