Politely Asking for a Dance

To use elaborate and formal phrases, such as. "Will you be so kind as to grant me the honor of this dance?" would seem, in our American society, rather stilted and forced. 

What Readers Ask… “What is the correct way for a young man to ask lady of his acquaintance for a dance at a ball or other dancing party?”

Simply say: “May I have this dance, Miss Smith?” is all one need to say. To use elaborate and formal phrases, such as. "Will you be so kind as to grant me the honor of this dance?" would seem, in our American society, rather stilted and forced. – By Mary Marshall Duffee, 1917

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia