Friday Charm School - How to Stand Like a Lady

Welcome to Friday Charm School! Today's lesson is about simply standing like a lady. Even the way you stand when not in motion should be planned to make you look graceful and elegant.

Here are the basics for a proper stance:

- Stand tall with your best posture. (See last week's lesson)

- Place your feet about 2 inches apart. Place the toe of the right foot even with the left arch.

- Rest most of the body weight on the front (left) foot.

- Raise the heel of the right foot so that only the ball of the foot is on the floor. Bend the right knee slightly.

- Rotate the right heel in toward the left foot until it is at a 45° angle. The heel of your left foot is now almost touching your right instep.

- Shift your weight comfortably back onto your right foot so that both feet support you. Your weight should be evenly distributed on both hips.

- Check to see that your hips are turned slightly in the direction that your right foot is pointing. Keep your shoulders and head facing forward.

If you prefer, reverse the above steps so that your right foot is in front. One side will feel more comfortable than the other, but practice both so you can change your stance from time to time when standing for long periods.

What do you do with your hands while standing? Always keep your elbows in close to your sides. Press the forearm of one arm lightly against your waist with palm up and fingers relaxed. Allow your other arm to hang freely at your side.

Or extend both forearms gracefully across the waist, resting the thumb of one hand in the palm of the other. Curve your fingers into a relaxed position.

Thirdly, you can allow both arms to hang easily at your sides with your wrists just brushing the body.

If you are fidgety, put your hands behind your back clasping one hand in the other.

At first, these positions may feel contrived and unnatural, even uncomfortable. But with practice, they will become easy and you'll be on your way to a more graceful appearance!