Page content
Lord Chesterfield on Manners and Deportment
Lord Chesterfield (1694–1773) wrote instructional books. His book, Principles
of Politeness, and of Knowing the World (Boston, 1794), was an adaptation
of letters written to instruct his son in the ways of the world. The book contained
"every instruction necessary to complete the gentleman and man of fashion,
to teach him a knowledge of life, and make him well received in all companies."
A later adaptation by John Trusler of Lord Chesterfield's writings was published
repeatedly and in many forms, including school readers, newspapers, and etiquette
books of the day. The book soon became the most popular manual on manners. One
quote from the book spoke of the importance of dance to proper deportment:
"Next
to good-breeding," said Chesterfield, "is genteel manners and carriage,"
and the best method to acquire these is through a knowledge of dance. "Now
to acquire a graceful air, you must attend to your dancing; no one can either
sit, stand or walk well, unless he dances well. And in learning to dance, be
particularly attentive to the motion of your arms for a stiffness in the wrist
will make any man look awkward. If a man walks well, presents himself well in
company, wears his hat well, moves his head properly, and his arms gracefully,
it is almost all that is necessary."
Source: Joseph E. Marks III, America Learns to Dance: A Historical
Study of Dance Education in America Before 1900 (New York: Exposition Press,
1957), pp.47-48.
Daily jigsaw puzzles
Tour the Town Online
Kids Zone: Online games & activities
Historic Triangle
