The Cotillion, or German, is one of the most social of dances, and is deservedly popular. It may be composed of any number of couples; but in a large party of twenty-four couples or more, it is better for the leader to seat himself in the center, and to select the dancers from each end of the circle alternately; this shortens the dance, and prevents it from becoming tedious.

Should the ladies be in the minority, the gentlemen who are without partners are always permitted to engage any of the ladies for a single figure without any formal introduction. Where ladies are without escorts, they are generally under the special care of the leader, who either dances with them himself, or presents them to some of the gentlemen.

While it is absolutely necessary that all authority in regard to the cotillion should be placed in a single individual, it is also necessary that the ladies and gentlemen who compose the set should render to the leader all possible assistance in carrying out his orders, or rather suggestions.

To be a successful leader requires a combination of tact, patience, courtesy, vivacity and common sense. He must know exactly what program is to be carried out, and arrange all the details beforehand, so that there may be no delay or confusion.

It is his place to call the different dancers to the floor, and to see to it that no one is neglected, but that, so far as possible, all have an equal chance to enjoy themselves.

He signals to the musicians when the music is to begin, to stop, or to change to a different rhythm, and to the dancers when they are to stop dancing and to return to their seats.

These signals are given by clapping the hands, or by blowing a whistle, the latter being the favorite method.

Castanets are sometimes used for the same purpose. The figures to be danced should be selected with reference to the space available for dancing and the number of guests participating.

When it is time for the dance to begin, the leader’s first duty is to seat the dancers. This is generally done by lot. The chairs are numbered in pairs. Each couple draws a card, also numbered, and seat themselves in the chairs whose number corresponds to the number on the card. There should be an equal number of ladies and gentlemen participating. But, in case there are any of either sex who have no partners, they are seated at the end of the line, and the leader will see that they receive a due share of attention from the others. Favors are used in many of the figures. These generally consist of little trifles made of bright-colored ribbons, tissue paper, tinsel, etc. They may be as inexpensive or as elegant as the taste and means of the hostess permit. Cut flowers may also be used. Those favors are most popular which can be pinned to the coat or dress and worn as decorations throughout the evening. Two tables are provided, one for the gentlemen’s favors and one for those designed for the ladies. The leader may distribute the favors himself, but it is more customary to invite some lady to preside over each table. Favors may be used in any figure, and should be used in at least every other one.

When all are seated, the leader, as briefly and clearly as possible, explains the figure to be danced, and calls the requisite number of dancers to the floor, beginning at the head of the line. The couples thus designated dance once around the room and then perform the figure as directed, which is repeated until all have danced. The leader should be constantly on the floor, directing and assisting where it is necessary to do so.

At the conclusion of the dance, the leader generally stands with the hostess to receive the adieux of the guests, an honor certainly due to the one upon whom the success of the evening chiefly depends.

It is the duty of the guests to cordially second the efforts of the leader. The closest attention should be given when he is explaining a figure, and all should be ready to enter into it with heartiness and animation. It is in bad taste for any couple to get up and dance on their own account, regardless of the figure which is being executed. It would seem as if this caution should be unnecessary, but, unfortunately, observation proves that even among well-bred people there are occasionally some who are thoughtless enough to offend in this way. In such cases the leader is fully justified in stopping the music and kindly but decidedly requesting the intruders to return to their seats.