For most skirts, you don’t need to pull them out, and doing so may appear overly formal or mocking. Unless you need to hold your skirt for safety, simply keep your hands down by your sides. [4] X Research source
To perform a court curtsy, extend your right foot behind your left, resting on the ball of the foot. Keeping your back straight and your head lowered, bend your knees outward. Keep lowering yourself down until your right knee almost touches the ground. Stay in that position for a second or two, then slowly raise yourself back to an upright position. This type of curtsy may not sound difficult, but it actually requires a lot of practice to ensure it is performed smoothly, without any jerky movements. [7] X Research source
Begin in the first position. Extend your right leg out to the side, pointing your toe. As you do this, extend your arms outward into the second position. Transfer your weight onto your right foot, while extending your left foot a couple of inches behind. Rest the left foot on the tips of your pointed toes. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees outwards into a curtsy. As you bend, bring your arms back to the first position and bend your head slightly. [9] X Research source Then, maintaining the same foot placement, stretch the legs upwards, raising the arms into the fourth position. Lift your head and stretch out your neck and back as you do this. Reverse the movements and repeat on the opposite side to complete the révérence. If you need to recap on the various ballet positions, see this article for guidance.
To do the “Texas dip”, raise your arms out in front of you at shoulder height, then extend them out to the sides as you cross your left leg behind your right. Keeping your back straight and your arms extended to the sides, bend your knees and lower yourself down into a deep curtsy. When you can go no further, gently drop down onto your behind. Once sitting, lean forward until your forehead nearly touches the floor. At this point, some debutantes will turn their head to the right to avoid getting lipstick on their gown! Keeping your back bent, raise your head to look at the audience - and don’t forget to smile! Finally, grab your escort’s hand and slowly and gracefully raise yourself back to a standing position. [10] X Research source
