he leader of the cotillion is chosen by the hostess, and should be
thoroughly familiar with all its figures, new and old; skilled to
command, and prompt to bring order out of confusion; at the same time
energetic and good tempered. As there will always be some in a German
who do not understand it, the leader must be ready to help them out.
Such parties should take their places near the end, and, in this way,
will become familiar with a figure before it is their turn to dance.

No Favorites to be Allowed.

The leader will also see that gentlemen do not neglect some ladies for
the pleasure of dancing frequently with more favored partners. In this
he should be assisted by the hostess, and gentlemen should never
disregard her quiet suggestion on this score. After all, "the
ball-room is a more fitting field for a display of the Christian
graces than most Evangelical people are willing to admit."

All those dancing the German must consider themselves as introduced,
and each lady or gentleman is free to call "up" any participant for
his or her partner. In fact it is desirable that they should do so,
since by devoting themselves entirely to their acquaintance there is
danger of some being debarred from the amusement. For these reasons
the German is unsuited for a public ball, and fitted only for a
private house where the invitation is expected to certify the
character of the guest.

Varied and beautiful are the figures that may be adopted, but the
scope of this book will not permit full instructions for its elaborate
changes. One suggestion, however, is in point; do not choose those
"romping" figures where the fun is liable to become too fast and
furious for ball-room decorum. The figures requiring "properties,"
such as ribbons, flags, Japanese lanterns, aprons, mirrors, etc.,
should have all the necessary articles carefully provided beforehand.

During most of the figures, "favors" are distributed; flowers, amusing
trinkets, or sometimes pretty little souvenirs are given. Rosettes,
scarf pins, bangles, tiny flags, artificial butterflies, bon-bons in
embroidered satin bags, badges, painted silk sachets, etc., are all
appropriate. Tiny lanterns filled with perfume, and sometimes amusing
toys will add to the fun of the occasion. It is better taste to give
simple articles than to resort to the gifts of great value that some
hostesses have bestowed, since such giving always suggests
ostentation. Flowers alone are sometimes u