How do you do a curtsy?

Question

I am a guy playing a part in a farce (comedy) where I have to curtsy several times in different places with varying degrees of correctness (ranging from very bad where I fall on my behind) to very good (i.e. perfect). What's the correct way at least and how long does it take to perfect?

Answer 1

Okay, let's see if we can describe the actual move in a way that you can actually duplicate. It is hard for a man to curtsy because men's hips are differently shaped from a woman's, but it can be learned.

Stand with your heels together and your toes about a foot apart

Practice shifting all your weight onto your right foot, until you can lift your left foot off the floor. Practice keeping your balance standing on only one foot.

Touch the toe of your left foot to the floor, just behind your right heel. Your left knee will be bent. Try to keep your foot still turned out at that sixty-degree angle you started with. Practice standing this way.

Standing as above, bend forward from the hips, keeping your back and neck straight. See how far you can bend and still keep your balance. Practice this move.

Standing as above, without bending forward or shifting your feet, try doing a knee-bend. See how far you can bend your knees and still keep balance. Practice this move.

Okay, when you can do all four steps above without wobbling, you are ready to curtsy. Stand still, toes apart. Put your left toe behind your right heel. Bend forward from the hips and bend your knees at the same time, bowing your head ever so slightly. Then straighten, then put your left foot back beside your right.

Answer 2

Step1Lower your head. This makes you appear vulnerable. This initial position was the origin of the curtsy.

Step2Place both your hands on the sides of your skirt and hold it out sideways. If your skirt is too narrow, then hold your hands out to the side, palms upward.

Step3Extend one foot behind the other, bend both legs at the knee and bend your head and shoulders slightly forward.

Step4Bend your knees outward, rather than forward, for a more formal curtsy.

Step5Curtsy for those of a higher social status. Reserve a deep curtsy for when you meet royalty in European cultures. This is called a court curtsy and is more elaborate. The curtsy is deeper, and you can sink to the floor or go down on one knee.

Step6Perform the "Texas Dip" at the International Debutante Ball. Bend your knees, cross your ankles and touch your forehead to the floor, holding the hand of your escort all the while!