BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Ask Someone to Dance at a Formal Ball

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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At a ball, it's essential to speak properly and carry yourself formally. Then again, you might choose to just be silly and charming.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Little Black Dresses
Let's Dance CD
Waltz: You Can Dance Videos
You Can Dance Fox-Trot Videos
Rented Tuxedos

Step1

Approach the person with whom you wish to dance.

Step2

Catch the person's eye. If he or she is engaged in conversation, wait within earshot of the conversation and break in when appropriate.

Step3

Say, "Excuse me," when appropriate. Do not introduce yourself - save that for the dance floor.

Step4

Hold your hands down. Do not offer a hand.

Step5

Ask, "May I have this dance?" or, "Would you care to dance?"

Step6

If the dance is accepted, offer your arm.

Step7

Proceed to the dance floor together.

Tips & Warnings

At less formal occasions like bars with dance floors, a less formal, "Want to dance?" is appropriate.
Do not wink. Do not say, "C'mon, let's cut a rug!"

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 If your offer is not accepted, try to avoid name calling and the use of profanities. It may be tempting, but if you are too loud other ladies within earshot may hear you, and you will have cost yourself a second chance.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Do not wait for a guy to ask you to dance, you have to ask him. Ask him to dance and more than likely he will say yes, and if he doesn't say yes, it's OK. Ask another guy to dance with you. Keep asking until someone says, yes. I know someone will eventually say, yes. And dances don't have to be romantic, they can be friendly.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It is proper ask the husband or boyfriend, for permission to dance with their lady. If he says he doesn't mind, then it is proper to ask the woman for the dance. She may just want to dance with her husband. If she says yes, then hold you hand up slowly and take her hand. Do not hold her too close when dancing, that might make the man jealous.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 No one owes you a dance. Don't get depressed if you are turned down. Look for another and have fun.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 To all the girls out there, don't feel as if you have to wait for a guy to ask you to dance. Whenever I dance with a guy, it's me that usually asks him. Every time the guy said yes. Even if they say no, don't freak about it; it's just a dance!