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A curtsy (also spelled curtsey or incorrectly as courtsey) is a traditional gendered gesture of greeting, in which a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head. In Western culture it is the feminine equivalent of bowing by males. Miss Manners characterizes its knee bend as deriving from a "traditional gesture of an inferior to a superior."
- 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.
Jul 28, 2024 · Curtsy is a traditional gesture of respect, where a person slightly bows by bending their knees, often performed by women. For instance, “She gave a curtsy before the queen.” On the other hand, courtesy refers to polite behavior, respect and consideration shown towards others. It’s an act of kindness or a polite gesture.
Jul 15, 2024 · Lift the fabric of your dress out to your sides. This is a traditional European and American way of showing deference, but its use has declined sharply over the past century. Curtsy in any situation that might call for a bow. As with bowing, the curtsy is still regarded as a polite gesture, but it will come across as a bit outdated.
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The word "curtsy" comes from "courtesy" which means "politeness". According to Desmond Morris, the movements in the curtsey and the bow were similar until the 17th century. Only later did the difference between the female and the male gesture develop. The earlier, combined version is still performed by Restoration comedy actors. [1]
Feb 14, 2024 · A young lady should curtsy to an elderly lady as a showing of respect. A young lady of lower rank should curtsy to a lady of higher rank. A young lady should curtsy to a gentleman she is meeting for the first time. A servant should curtsy to their employer if and only if the employer has made it clear that is what is expected.
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Definition of Curtsy. Curtsy (noun): A formal gesture of respect or greeting, typically performed by women and girls, in which one bends the knees with one foot in front of the other while bowing slightly. Expanded Definition. A curtsy is a traditional gesture often associated with formal etiquette, ballroom culture, or theatrical performances.
