Dances were a significant part of many communities' social life. It was an opportunity to enjoy close physical proximity with members of the opposite gender in a public place, and perhaps to make the acquaintance of people formerly unknown to you. More than anything, though, it was a place you could work up a sweat having a geat deal of fun.

In the spirit of keeping balls or dances fresh, not only were new dances introduced from time to time (many of which originated in Europe), but the dances or balls often had themes. While there were informal dances that took place, sometimes spontaneously, in homes where the furniture would be moved out of the way so that a few couples could dance and one musician or a small group of folks made up an inpromptu band, or they could be highly formal affairs to which people were invited by engraved invitation and more than one band might play, as well as having military escorts and all the fanfare they could throw into the mix.

Dances and balls of this period began and ended quite late, by modern standards. Since most occupations ended at dusk, attendees had time to go home, clean up, take a nap, and dress up before the dance. It was fairly normal for dances and balls, public ones, to begin after 9:00 pm and as late as 11:00 pm, and for them to last until dawn. Consequently, it was not at all unusual for a dance or ball to offer a supper buffet around midnight. At re-enactments, most balls and dances begin around 8:00pm and usually last until 10:00 or 11:00 pm.

During all formal offcasions and parades, white gloves should be worn by a man. This is particularly true of a dance, for men tend to perspire and their hands become unpleasant for a lady to touch - even through her gloves. As did the men, ladies should wear gloves of white or yellow.

A host was responsible to make the appropriate introductions, as well as seeing that all ladies who had an inclination to dance were supplied with partners. Introductions were not followed by shaking hands, but rather by a bow. In a ballroom setting where the introduction is to dancing and not necessarily to friendship, neither ladies nor gentlemen should shake hands. A lady should curtsey before starting a dance with a gentleman, while a gentlemen should bow to the lady before they begin to dance. If you have met friends at the ball, it is only necessary to greet or salute them once for the evening. Avoid the habit of some to constantly bow and nod to folks whom you have already greeted there. It is an irritating and disagreeable habit.

A gentleman is expected to dance, and dance frequently; this being most especially true when there is an imbalance of gentlemen in relation to the numbers of ladies at a dance. It was considered impolite to dance with the same partner more than one or, at most, twice in an evening, especially with one's spouse. Gentlemen were to leave no "wall flowers" without a dance partner who were willing and waiting to dance. Ladies and gentlemen alike are cautioned to avoid dancing too much with one's partner, for dancing is a social activity, and is meant to be shared. Dancing with a lady is an honor. Men were taught to regard it as such. Leading a lady on and off the dance floor is simply common courtesy. A gentleman should make certain to ask a lady for the honor of a dance with her, for an honor it is; and it is hers to bestow. While waiting for the next dance with a partner to begin, men are to bow to the lady upon the start of the music. While dancing, men are to endeavor to wear a pleasant face; far too many men concentrate so intently on dancing and recalling the proper "next step" that they neglect to reflect in their visage that they are enjoying the ladies' company and the dance. At the conclusion of the dance, men are to always thank the lady for the honor of dancing with her. Never thank a man for a dance; a smile and a slightly inclined head are considered sufficient responses to a gentleman's "Thank you".

Ladies are never to refuse one gentleman and accept another for the same dance, unless the dance was previously promised to another. Too, ladies attending dances at which dance cards are issued should neither solicit dances with gentlemen, nor should you boast of having a full card.

Dance quietly. There is no merit is stomping your way through a dance, and you risk harming others by stamping through the steps of the dance. Likewise, be aware of others around you as you dance; it is rude to bump and jostle others as you dance. Do not flail about and make wild, wild gestures, but restrict the greatest part of your movement on the dance floor to the hips downward. When you waltz with a lady, do not press her waist; touch it lightly with the open palm of your hand.

Young people may escape dancing while very young, but young people who are about to enter into society found it necessary to learn to dance. As part of learning to dance, it was incumbent upon them to learn ballroom etiquette.