How do I ask for a dance - ballroom?

Question

In the ballroom - the girl is sitting and i approch her. Which hand do i extend to ask her for a dance? Left or right? If it is the right hand (which i think it is) and she takes her left hand and holds me right hand and gets up - so i then proceed to put my right hand behind her back and hold her right hand with my left hand and start the dance (ballroom music)??~??

Answer 1

"Would you like to dance?" this is what you say. Hand issue is less important.

Techically and most strictly, you ask first. You don't extend your hand to the lady before she gives any indication of interest. If she says Yes (or something along the lines of yes) she extends her hand (usually right, but doesn't matter) or you may offer your hand to her at this moment. You take her hand and gently lead her to the floor by her hand. No waist touching. Then you take the dance hold and dance. This is the most proper way as far as I know.

What is acceptible nowdays: you ask and extend your hand at the same time. She says yes (or no, in which case you you don't insist on yes). You take her hand and lead her to the floor by the hand (gently!). Then you take the dance hold and dance. You offer your hand also if she said yes and gets up but she doesn't give you her hand.

In the dance hold, your left hand holds her right hand. Your right hand is on her shoulder blade or slightly below. It is not on her waist. Her right hand is obviouly in your left hand, her left hand is on your right upper arm, approx in the middle, where your muscles (which I assume you have) have this nice dip that Nature had intended for this purpose I'm sure. :-)

You can touch her waist when leading her to the dance floor only if you think you are welcome to do so.

But all this is not as important as I made it sound. What is NOT to do however is to ask her, then turn around and procede to the dance floor assuming she'll be running behind you like a trained doggy.

Answer 2

would u like to dance?