The Bow and Courtesy
from the American Dancing Master, Elias Howe, 1862
The importance of making a proper and graceful Bow or Courtesy cannot be over-estimated, as it is not only indispensable in the Ball-room,
but in the every-day affairs of life. The Bow stand in the third position, right foot in front; slide the right foot a little to the side. Draw the left
foot in front in the third position. Incline the head and the body a little; let your arms fall easily and naturally. Rise in the third position, left foot
in front.
The Courtesy stand in the third position, right foot in front, slide the right foot in the second position. Draw the left foot in the rear of the right foot.
Bend slowly in this position. Rise slowly and bring the left foot close to the right, in the third position. Let all of the movements for the Bow or
Courtesy be characterized by easy elegance and grace, and particularly avoid all appearance of that stiffness too often seen in the Ball-room.