Ryan's dancing rules

According to cruise ship host and dance teacher Gerald Ryan, the gentleman is the picture frame and the lady is the lovely picture.

Read on to discover Ryan's dance floor code of conduct.

The Perfect Gentleman Tuesday, 12 April, 2005 1455 BST on BBC Two

1. Stand tall, do not slump. Elbows and chin held high.

2. Gentleman's right hand below lady's left shoulder blade.

3. Fingers on lady's left hand together, lightly resting on gentleman's upper arm. Do not grip or go over gentleman's shoulder.

4. While learning, count the "slows" (two beats) and "quicks" (one beat) out loud with your partner, preferably with the beat of the music.

5. Dancing together is a mutual objective. Please do not argue on, or off, the dance floor.

6. The gentleman should never introduce steps that are unfamiliar or unknown to the lady. Dance only to her comfortable ability.

7. On the dance floor the gentleman is the leader - the boss.

8. Any mis-step or error on the dance floor is the gentleman's fault - even if it is not.

9. Ladies, do not try to lead or force the gentleman into a step. If you try to lead him, and he lets you, he will never lead.

10. Do not teach each other steps on the dance floor while others are dancing.

11. Swing dancing should be done in the centre of the floor, out of the line of dance.

12. Moving dances should follow the "line of dance" which is counter-clockwise. Do not dance against oncoming traffic, or obstruct the "line of dance".

13. Practise a pause, walk-on by, or promenade step to avoid collisions.

14. Ladies, be patient and understanding with the gentleman, especially while he is learning. He must:

a) Recognise the type of dance;

b) Strike the dance position, getting his weight on his right foot and the lady's weight on her left foot. He then steps forward on his left foot;

c) He must then lead the step, set the tempo, observe the traffic, plan the next step, communicate it from his mind to his feet and then lead it on the next beat... while he smiles;

d) Ladies need only be slightly familiar with the step he leads, stay with the tempo (or his tempo if he is off-beat), and follow his lead;

e) Ladies, do not try to help the gentleman. Be encouraging and praise his accomplishments;

f) Dancing is for enjoyment. Keep it simple and easy, and smile, smile, smile.