Table etiquette at the graduation ball: Confident off the dance floor

The moment you enter the ballroom is magical. However, before the music plays and the first couple takes to the floor, your path leads you directly to your seat. The graduation ball seating arrangement is no coincidence, but is usually planned precisely in advance by the dance school or the year committee. Often, the teenagers from a dance course group sit together, while the parents take their places at their own tables. This gives you the perfect opportunity to get into the mood for the evening in a familiar circle.

As soon as you have reached your table, a simple rule of etiquette applies: wait to sit down until the ladies at the table have taken their seats or the hosts of the evening give the signal to sit. By the way, your jacket or bag should not be hung over the back of the chair if it blocks the way for the waiters. Smaller handbags can be placed discreetly behind your back on the seat or on your lap. If you are wondering in advance how the entire day works logistically, our guide to preparing for the graduation ball will help you with the schedule.

As soon as the plates are served, it becomes clear who paid attention in the dance course beyond just the steps. Good table manners at the dance course ball are not a dusty luxury, but rather give you and your table neighbors a sense of security. The most important basic rule for cutlery is: work your way from the outside in. Use the cutlery furthest from the plate for the first course. Once you have used a knife or fork, never place it back on the tablecloth, but always on the edge of the plate.

Your behavior at the table during the graduation ball also shows your confidence. The cloth napkin belongs folded on your lap as soon as the meal begins. If you need to leave the table briefly during the meal, for example to go to the restroom, place the napkin loosely on the table to the left of your plate. Only at the end of the entire meal is it finally placed next to the plate. Chewing with your mouth closed and avoiding elbows on the tabletop while eating go without saying, but they make enjoying the evening easier for everyone at the table.

A ball thrives on communication. Between courses and during dance breaks is the perfect time for relaxed small talk at the graduation ball. If you are sitting at a table with classmates, teachers, or your friends' parents, friendly and open conversation is worth its weight in gold. Good opening topics are the music of the evening, the beautiful decoration of the hall, or the anticipation of the upcoming dance rounds. Avoid heavy or controversial topics like school grades or stressful exams so as not to dampen the festive mood.

If you are talking to someone who is not currently sitting at your table, you should not call out across the table. Instead, stand up briefly and go over to the person for a few sentences. Make sure not to interrupt anyone while they are eating. The dance breaks also offer the ideal opportunity to change tables and greet other groups. If you are wondering how best to continue celebrating after the official part, take a look at our article about the time after the graduation ball to round off the evening perfectly.