Q&A for How to Curtsy

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  • Question
    What can ladies in wheelchairs do in lieu of a curtsy?
    Community Answer
    Ladies in wheelchairs can politely bob their head instead of a curtsy.
  • Question
    How do I curtsy if I am wearing trousers?
    Community Answer
    Do everything the same, just don't pull out your "skirts." Leave your arms at your sides, and do the leg motions.
  • Question
    To which female royals do I need to curtsy?
    Community Answer
    You would usually curtsy to a queen, a princess, a duchess, and occasionally a lady of the court.
  • Question
    Why do you pull the skirt out from each side as a part of the curtsy?
    Community Answer
    This is so that neither of your feet catch on the hem of your skirt and cause you to stumble.
  • Question
    Why do girls curtsy?
    Community Answer
    Because if they bow, and they have a skirt on, it might look like they are sticking their behind out at someone.
  • Question
    Why do people in the UK curtsy to the queen?
    Community Answer
    In ancient Roman times, back when Rome ruled over Britain and the Isles, lower level citizens were required to be free of disease or else they would be sold into slavery. As you can imagine, STDs were quite common back in the olden days and as a precautionary measure the king would command all lower citizens to give the queen the "courtesy" of showing the queen they were free of disease before speaking with her, which involved doing a curtsy. The motion stuck.
  • Question
    Is there a curtsy class?
    Community Answer
    No, there is not, but you can look up instructional curtsy videos online to help you.
  • Question
    Should I curtsy after dancing with a boy at a high school or college dance?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not recommended.
  • Question
    What is the action called when girls do something similar to a curtsy, but without using their legs, only pulling their skirts?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    This is still a curtsy, though it is a watered-down, lazy version of the formal gesture. If you're going to greet someone, you may as well do it right.
  • Question
    Recently Fergie curtsied to the Queen with her hand higher than her head with her palm toward the Queen. What does that mean?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    There is no meaning attributed to the height of the hand or the palm toward or away from someone. The curtsy is a defined move that anyone can tweak and change to a certain degree. If you include a handstand in your curtsy, then it's no longer a curtsy, but you can do it pretty much any way you like.
  • Question
    How do I curtsy without looking like a fool?
    Community Answer
    You won't look foolish, this is a graceful and acceptable action. Have confidence, smile and know the reason you're doing it for is a good reason. If anyone laughs, it shows their ignorance, not yours.
  • Question
    Is it okay for men to curtsy?
    Community Answer
    No. Men bow.
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