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Mar 31, 2011 · In the first place, a Court curtsey is much lower than an ordinary curtsey, and quite different to the curtsey in a minuet or gavotte, where the front foot is extended. A Court curtsey is always made on the right foot. The learner should practise standing with her feet slightly apart, then move the left foot sideways and a little forward.
- Overview
- Performing a Simple Curtsy
- Performing Other Types of Curtsies
- Posture Etiquette
Curtsying may seem simple, but it takes a proper lady to execute a proper curtsy. Curtsying used to be commonplace in everyday life, but nowadays it is reserved for members of European royalty, along with very specific occasions such as debutante balls and ballet recitals. That said, it’s still an elegant and timeless greeting that makes an invaluable addition to any lady’s etiquette. We’ll show you how to do a simple, traditional curtsy like the royals do, then a few other styles to cover your bases. We’ll also show you how to stand, walk, and sit like a lady, because etiquette doesn’t stop at the curtsy.
Lower your chin, but maintain eye contact with the person you’re curtsying for. If your skirt is long, hold it between your forefingers and thumbs.
Place your right foot about 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) behind and to the left of your left foot. Then slowly bend your knees and lower yourself about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm).
Hold that position for about 1 second, then slowly and gracefully straighten your knees and return to a standing posture, with your back straight.
Lower your chin and maintain eye contact.
Bend your head forward at a slight, 45-degree angle, as if giving an exaggerated, respectful nod.
Not too far, though; avoid pressing your chin to your chest, or looking at your feet. Maintain this position throughout the curtsy.
Perform this curtsy any time you’d like to show respect to someone else in a formal setting, such as before dancing with a partner, or meeting a partner’s parents at a banquet or gala.
Hold your skirt if it reaches your ankles.
In modern times, it isn't usually necessary to hold your skirt while you curtsy. Instead, simply place your hands at your sides, and a little bit out from your hips if you need to balance.
Extend your right foot forward, then draw it in a wide circle behind your left, resting on the ball of the foot. Keeping your back straight and your head lowered, bend your knees outward. Bow your head slightly and keep lowering yourself down until your right knee almost touches the ground. Stay in that position for 1-2 seconds, then slowly raise yourself back to an upright position.
Do this curtsy after performing for an audience, or to thank attendees for coming when hosting a formal event.
This is a somewhat antiquated curtsy used to show respect and deference to members of royalty, usually from European countries.
Begin with your heels together and your toes pointed out. Take a step to your right, place your right foot behind your left, and bend your knees with your arms out. Then, step to your left, and perform another curtsy like the first.
Stand with your spine straight and chin tucked back.
Standing like a lady is all about being as tall as possible. Pretend there’s a string tied to the top of your head, and that it’s gently pulling you upward. Keep your shoulders back to align your spine.
In addition, tense your abs inward to help keep your midsection straight.
Hold your hands behind your back, or clasped in front of your with your elbows slightly bent.
Walk with long strides, stepping with one foot in front of the other.
pretend you’re walking on a balance beam, and keep each stride a little more than the length of 1 foot in front of you. There’s no need for fancy struts, but if you feel up to it, swing your hips just a little bit along with the natural shift of your weight as you walk.
Apr 10, 2021 · For women, the modern curtsy is also a more discreet and dignified gesture than the lavish deep curtsies of the medieval royal courts. These days, the correct way to curtsy is to place one foot behind the other, and then perform a discreet ‘bob’, rising slowly. Unlike the bow, the curtsy maintains eye contact.
Dec 7, 2007 · Summonses were sent out three weeks in advance, allowing ample time for the excited debutante or newly married lady, to practice the complicated court curtsy and order the regulated costume demanded for presentation, as laid out, via the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, in Lady Colin Campbell’s Manners and Rules of Good Society, 1911 edition:
The deep curtsy is elegant and a rare thing to witness. Kirsty Wigglesworth – WPA Pool/Getty Images. Debrett’s etiquette advisor, Jo Bryant advises anyone who meets a royal to “Put your right foot behind your left foot. Briefly bend the knees with one foot forward keeping the upper body straight. Repeat when the member of the Royal family ...
Jun 21, 2024 · To formally address British royalty and aristocracy in person, give a small nod if you’re a male, or a brief bob by bending slightly at the knees if you’re a female. Then, let them initiate the conversation and use the full formal address in your initial reply, such as “Yes, your majesty,” for a royal member.
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Sep 3, 2024 · Greeting a Member of The Royal Family. There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way. On ...
