When a gentleman's hands perspire, which cannot be helped, often, if there is any danger of his soiling his partner's dress, by contact with it in waltzing, it is an evidence of care which will be appreciated, for him to hold his handkerchief in his hand to shield the dress. No gentleman will encircle the waist of his partner for a waltz until the music begins, and as soon as it ceases, he removes his arm. We have seen a gentleman at the end of a round dance escort a lady to a seat, retaining his arm about her waist, but he was very verdant, or very ill-bred. The German, being a dance in which no lady can refuse to dance with any gentleman present, is only adapted to private balls. It is a very beautiful and popular dance.
Dancing is almost as old as the world.
The oldest records of the race, sacred and profane, allude to it. In most ancient nations it was part of their religious rites. The primitive Christians certainly danced at their religious meetings. Aristotle ranked dancing with poetry, and Socrates took pains to learn the art. The Spartans passed a law requiring parents to train their children in dancing after the age of five years.