"Fun and likability are not the purpose of dance; its purpose is to eliminate bad manners and gestures and to smooth out gracefulness and politeness"

Dance culture in the long century of the middle classes in the light of etiquette and fashion

Abstract

Dance played a significant role for the middle classes because it offered an opportunity not only to socialize but also to strengthen self-esteem. Although 19th-century Catholic moralists spread a negative view of dance, authors of etiquette manuals recognized the role of dance events and provided more or less comprehensive advice on how to conduct oneself, and particularly on how one should not behave at such events. This did not so much concern dancing per se but rather the preparation for the dance event, behavior in proximity to the dance floor and forms of communication at such events. Another important topic was the selection of suitable apparel, which developed and changed over the course of the century in a manner similar to changes in dance itself.