Interesting article

[Hespera]

I found a very interesting article about Royal Air Force Officers taking mandatory dancing lessons. My husband is a Navy Reserve Officer, and we have noticed that very few officers know how to dance. It may not be necessary to know how to dance in the U.S., but many officers get stationed in Europe where balls with formal dancing are still very much a part of social life.

Here is the link:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19981108/ai_n14483903

EXCLUSIVE RUPERT HAMER RAF CHIEFS have been given a new mission - to turn Britain's top guns into experts in the tango and foxtrot.
Officer trainees are keeping eyes right and best feet forward as they glide their way through ballroom dancing lessons.
A shortage of women means that sometimes men have to dance cheek to cheek during the hour-and-a-half weekly sessions. But that hasn't put them off. In fact some dancers are planning to form a team called Tango Foxtrot. The classes - held every Monday night at the RAF College at Cranwell, Lincolnshire - are part of a push to turn young guns into gentlemen.
Training officers also drill the chaps in the do's and don'ts of formal dress, how to behave in front of women, wine tasting and the finer points of our culture - including trips to the ballet and opera.
A senior RAF officer said: "It all began when cadets went to a mayor's ball and hadn't a clue what to do when the band played a waltz.
"The then chief of the Air Staff stepped in and ordered ballroom dancing lessons to be added to the curriculum.
"It is part of a general programme to improve the social skills of officer cadets.
"Officers are encouraged to bring along their partners or wives. Sometimes there is a shortage of women so the men have to dance with each other.
"There was some initial opposition but classes have become extremely popular. A decision has now been taken to find a suitable competition to enter."
The base has hired ballroom instructor Jennifer Brown, who runs her own dance school in Lincoln. As many as 50 officer cadets attend her classes in a lecture hall on the base.
"There is a lot of talent among the young officers," Jennifer, 48, said.
"They are very enthusiastic, particularly for the Latin dances, which can be quite steamy. We have not entered a competition as of yet but they certainly have the ability."
The Sunday Mirror revealed earlier this year that Army officers were being schooled in how to cut cheese and which knife and fork to use during formal meals.
RAF spokesman Squadron Leader Tom Rounds said training was given in the social skills required of an officer and a gentleman. Each cadet has to go through a series of lectures on RAF tradition, etiquette and social responsibilities.
He said: "It's part of the life that you live as an officer in the RAF.
"Lessons are given on how to treat a lady. For example, if you are walking along the street the man always places himself on the kerb side. Historically, I think it's so the man was killed by any passing horses rather than the woman.
"It's how to tie bow ties or the routine of being a house guest. They are taught to pass the port to the left after dinner and not to smoke until after the loyal toast.
"There are trips to the local opera house and wine-tasting evenings - to help officers choose the right wines.
"What colour shoes to wear with the suit and how to match ties are all on the agenda. Quite a lot of our young people have never been away from home. They are the kinds of things that mum has always done for them.
"Frankly, life is a bit more casual now. It would be fair to say young people need these courses more than they did 20 years ago."
Copyright 1998 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

[delamusica]

I would like to send a lot of guys I know to take this class! :)

[_malakawa_]

great. :notworth:

[mamboqueen]

I'd actually like to attend the class myself ;)

[LucyDiamond]

...Sometimes there is a shortage of women so the men have to dance with each other.
Sounds like my kind of class - where do I sign up? :wink:

[emeralddancer]

Sounds like my kind of class - where do I sign up? :wink:


I second that one! :D

[emeralddancer]

I wish the schools and such here institued it across the board. Again ... what IS so wrong with getting back to the old world charm and manners and such? Where a lady knew how to behave as such and a man was a gentleman. I think I was born in the wrong era. LOL

[DrDoug]

I'd be interested in what they have to say about cutting cheese---the only social grace I know is to blame the dog---but in this age of political correctness and equality, I'm perfectly willing to let women be killed by passing horses.

[mamboqueen]

lmao! My 10-year old daughter was at a birthday party and all the kids were sitting at the table having cake and she let one slip and then blamed the boy at the table most likely to have done it. She fessed up later...but everyone bought it.

[Hespera]

I wish the schools and such here institued it across the board. Again ... what IS so wrong with getting back to the old world charm and manners and such? Where a lady knew how to behave as such and a man was a gentleman. I think I was born in the wrong era. LOL

Perhaps we are long-lost twins?:p I very much agree that the loss of decorum is lamentable.
I just found out that the US Naval Academy has cut ballroom dancing for the plebes (freshmen)... Get ready for the next generation that is clueless on the dance floor and overwhelmed by a simple waltz tune as mentioned in the article.

[KatNip]

In the US the lady now walks curbside and the gentleman walks closer to the nasty blind alleys. Orignally, the gentleman walked curbside so the lady would not be splattered with mud. Now the gentleman walks closer to the alleys to deter muggers.

So much for changes in city life.

But it is only right that the military should be training the Leaders of tomorrow!:rolleyes:

[_malakawa_]

I wish the schools and such here institued it across the board. Again ... what IS so wrong with getting back to the old world charm and manners and such? Where a lady knew how to behave as such and a man was a gentleman. I think I was born in the wrong era. LOL


most of us dancers think like that. ;)it is so rare to see a man whom will open a door to a lady, or when he dance with her, that he not leave her on the floor but bring her to her table .......

sometimes when i see how young people and teenagers are behaving, i just ask my self do those kids have parents. :(

[Christel M.]

Interesting article. My Grandmother went to an Etiquette school. I remember many instances of my Aunt and parents teaching me how to sit at a dinner table, not to cross my legs when eating, how to eat soup properly by taking the spoon away from you, then brushing it across the bowl as to not have any dripping from it as we ate. How to hold a fork and knife properly when eating etc.... Drove me crazy in my school ages. Things also included were proper grooming, language and volume of voice, never to raise it but to lower it when angered. This would help ensure making a proper "Young Lady".

Yet note, to this day it bugs me to see milk pouring off a spoon for cereal or the liquid from soup dropping of the spoon when someone is about to put it to their mouth. Dropping the voice does wonders when needing to discipline children.

[jennyisdancing]

Perhaps we are long-lost twins?:p I very much agree that the loss of decorum is lamentable.
I just found out that the US Naval Academy has cut ballroom dancing for the plebes (freshmen)... Get ready for the next generation that is clueless on the dance floor and overwhelmed by a simple waltz tune as mentioned in the article.

If they cut the dancing for freshmen, are the lessons still given to upperclassmen, I wonder?

I also lament the loss of manners. Not that I want to live like a Victorian all the time in life, but knowing proper behavior is important. To me, it's a way of showing respect to others and making them feel comfortable to be around you.

That article was really cute.

[Hespera]

If they cut the dancing for freshmen, are the lessons still given to upperclassmen, I wonder?

No, I am afraid dancing lessons were discontinued for everybody. There is still a dance club (entirely optional), but the mandatory classes that instilled basic skills in everybody are gone.

[danceronice]

most of us dancers think like that. ;)it is so rare to see a man whom will open a door to a lady, or when he dance with her, that he not leave her on the floor but bring her to her table .......

sometimes when i see how young people and teenagers are behaving, i just ask my self do those kids have parents. :(

Oh, word to that. My dance pros have thoroughly spoilt me for the general male population's manners. It's nice how the male students pick it up, for the most part! They need to go out and spread the word.

[_malakawa_]

Oh, word to that. My dance pros have thoroughly spoilt me for the general male population's manners. It's nice how the male students pick it up, for the most part! They need to go out and spread the word.


definitely.

you should see my student. he is 7 years old, but what he learned here in those 2 months of dancing is great. He see what Slavik is doing and he is copying him. I also tell him some manner which he need to know.

How you teach them when they a little, that is how it's going to be when they grew up.

[dancerman]

I wish the schools and such here institued it across the board. Again ... what IS so wrong with getting back to the old world charm and manners and such? Where a lady knew how to behave as such and a man was a gentleman. I think I was born in the wrong era. LOL
I wonder how many men agree about the basic gentleman courtesies, deep down inside. I do, just for the record. I am sure many, if not most of the DF'ers probably do, but society has become such that we have come to disregard old school values ( and I don't mean that in an age sense, but more of a society sense).
We have become, IMO a class of people where respect has diwndled. It's not being born in the wrong era. It's more of learing a value system where repsect is huge.
I still, to this day, have difficulty being on the inside when walking down the street with a lady. It just rubs me wrong. I feel like I am trying to write with the wrong hand, which I cannot do. I always find a way to move, all be it subtly, to the outside of the curb.
I still feel comfortable opening doors, and try to remember to do so. Out of respect; for women, for common courtesy, and for my upbringing.
I am very curious if I am the minority with the gentlemen. Not that it matters, it won't stop me. Just kind of wonder.
As far as cutting cheese? That should be a whole other thread.............

[chachachacat]

My ex was such a gentleman, and it felt wonderful to be taken care of like that. I miss it. The person that I'm currently stuck with has no manners, and it drives me crazy! Now I will just stand in front of a door until he opens it. He's finally getting that one.

[mamboqueen]

My ex was such a gentleman, and it felt wonderful to be taken care of like that. I miss it. The person that I'm currently stuck with has no manners, and it drives me crazy! Now I will just stand in front of a door until he opens it. He's finally getting that one.

you're "stuck with"? maybe he's afraid you'll kick him through the door if he opens it for you??!! :rolleyes:

[_malakawa_]

My ex was such a gentleman, and it felt wonderful to be taken care of like that. I miss it. The person that I'm currently stuck with has no manners, and it drives me crazy! Now I will just stand in front of a door until he opens it. He's finally getting that one.

how can you be "stuck" . How people will say - there ae lots of fishes in the sea. :cool:


and this is the way how to teach them. ;)

[etp777]

You're definitely not hte only one dancerman.

And fwiw, I also know wine tasting, which silverware to use, and the rules for traditional black tie, so I'll put myself against anyof the royal navy plebes. Bet I can dance better too. ;)
I wonder how many men agree about the basic gentleman courtesies, deep down inside. I do, just for the record. I am sure many, if not most of the DF'ers probably do, but society has become such that we have come to disregard old school values ( and I don't mean that in an age sense, but more of a society sense).
We have become, IMO a class of people where respect has diwndled. It's not being born in the wrong era. It's more of learing a value system where repsect is huge.
I still, to this day, have difficulty being on the inside when walking down the street with a lady. It just rubs me wrong. I feel like I am trying to write with the wrong hand, which I cannot do. I always find a way to move, all be it subtly, to the outside of the curb.
I still feel comfortable opening doors, and try to remember to do so. Out of respect; for women, for common courtesy, and for my upbringing.
I am very curious if I am the minority with the gentlemen. Not that it matters, it won't stop me. Just kind of wonder.
As far as cutting cheese? That should be a whole other thread.............

[dancerman]

You're definitely not hte only one dancerman.

And fwiw, I also know wine tasting, which silverware to use, and the rules for traditional black tie, so I'll put myself against anyof the royal navy plebes. Bet I can dance better too. ;)
I'm sure you can.
:cool:

[dancerman]

My ex was such a gentleman, and it felt wonderful to be taken care of like that. I miss it. The person that I'm currently stuck with has no manners, and it drives me crazy! Now I will just stand in front of a door until he opens it. He's finally getting that one.

Maybe he needs this link???
:rolleyes:

[dancerman]

you're "stuck with"? maybe he's afraid you'll kick him through the door if he opens it for you??!! :rolleyes:
Ouch!!!!!!

[Stagekat]

I was just having a discussion with one of my non-dancing peeps about how I LOVE men in ballroom land because they have found their manners and every one I've met thus far has culture...and I won't accept anything less from the men I meet anymore!

Hey if any of these RAF boys are looking for a DP... :) Next time I'm across the pond I'll have to look them up!

[QPO]

Oh I so wish they would return it to schools alas, young people have lost the plot, they have been given so much, too often and just expect that is the way it is. Well where there are Rights comes responsibilities and unfortunately their ears are blocked when that word comes up!

[Joe]

No, I am afraid dancing lessons were discontinued for everybody. There is still a dance club (entirely optional), but the mandatory classes that instilled basic skills in everybody are gone.
I'd make a joke about the Navy no longer wishing to train a guy as An Officer and a Gentleman but of course the Richard Gere character wasn't actually at the Naval Academy--he was at OCS.

[Standarddancer]

I'd actually like to attend the class myself ;)

then so many men will be fighting to dance with you:) the article says they are so short of women so men have to dance with men. There might be the only place where more male dancers than female;)

[Laura]

I just found out that the US Naval Academy has cut ballroom dancing for the plebes (freshmen)... Get ready for the next generation that is clueless on the dance floor and overwhelmed by a simple waltz tune as mentioned in the article.
That must have been cut quite some time ago. My dad graduated from there in 1963 and did have the dancing lessons, but when my brother went there (graduated in 1991) they no longer had it.

Although despite the lessons my dad has always been clueless on the dance floor, and has zero understanding of or appreciation for what I do as a dancer.

[_malakawa_]

then so many men will be fighting to dance with you:) the article says they are so short of women so men have to dance with men. There might be the only place where more male dancers than female;)


haha.

3 days ago I had more male dancers on a group class than woman.

and it was strange. :cool:

[Standarddancer]

haha.

3 days ago I had more male dancers on a group class than woman.

and it was strange. :cool:

haha, those lucky ladies:)

[dancerman]

haha, those lucky ladies:)
And we men should finally learn an appreciation of how it feels.
(I thought I would beat everyone to it, and say it first). I've been to a few parties like that lately. Ask them before someone else does.
"Line up men and look you best! You're being watched."
Empathy is a good way to begin to affect change, right?
:peace:

[Hespera]

That must have been cut quite some time ago. My dad graduated from there in 1963 and did have the dancing lessons, but when my brother went there (graduated in 1991) they no longer had it.

Although despite the lessons my dad has always been clueless on the dance floor, and has zero understanding of or appreciation for what I do as a dancer.


They were reintroduced in the 1990s due to complaints from alumni association members who invited the midshipmen to formal events and realized they had no clue what to do on the dance floor. One of our friends, currently in his third year at the academy, still had mandatory lessons as a plebe, but the class of 2010 was the last one.