My favorite painting, “Dancers in Pink” by Edward Degas, is one of many treasured artworks featured in the living room at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut. A pretty flutter of pink… with perfected ballet posture!
In a world where technology consumes our attention, good posture and graceful deportment can often be overlooked!
While attending an afternoon tea in NYC, a lovely young lady approached me to chat. I admired her posture and the way she held her head high; she was incredibly graceful. After a while, I inquired if she had been a dancer. It was no surprise to learn that she had performed ballet internationally. Her balletic walk and stance were poised, effortless, and not exaggerated. She appeared confident and elegant. Her refinement inspired me to stand even taller… good posture can be contagious!
The art of smiling and standing tall is a form of communicating. It is a respectful acknowledgment of another person’s presence. The genteel art of deportment relays grace and poise and is a quiet sign of refinement. Remember when your Mum reminded you to “Stand up straight and pull your shoulders back!?” Standing tall is equivalent to a firm handshake and a “How do you do?” It exudes confidence and polish.
To me, elegant deportment and good carriage are commensurate with wearing a beautiful outfit, conveying tenacity and a self-assured spirit. Start the new year by making a concerted effort to walk taller, sit with an elegant purpose, and greet others with smiling eyes… then watch to see if others around you follow suit!
Grandmillennial Tip:
A renowned plastic surgeon friend shared with me that this “generation of cell phone users” is continually gazing down at their phone screens, which causes premature aging. The remedy? Position the center of your phone or computer screen so that your eyes are looking at the center, not below it! This secret golden nugget of advice may save your neck from premature aging… I'm listening. My phone screen will be held “upward” from now on!
I hope you pirouette into a stunning new year!
Xx
Holly