Dear Poppy,
I watch some dancers dancing with grace and elegance, but most dancers that I see look like they are trying too hard to look graceful. It looks fake and awkward. How can we look more graceful when dancing whether we lead or follow? Do you have any graceful tips?
With Grace
Dear With Grace,
It is true, Sugar, we should be graceful whether we are leads or follows. I have one tip for both, try leading your steps with your toes. Forward, backward, or sideways always lead with your toes. Grace is moving without effort and very lightly. Sweetie, poise and confidence show gracefulness and are acquired from proper training and experience. Keep working with your dance classes and lots of practice and let the grace begin to bloom in your dancing.
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.
