"Let us, therefore, to draw nearer to the Subject in hand, inquire into the Nature of those Positions that must be observed, in order to attain this sine [sic] and becoming Presence: And that our Readers may be furnished with proper Directions to arrive at the fame, tho' perhaps, our Rules may not be so perfect as could have been wished, we flatter ourselves they will be of no small Use and Advantage; wherefore, without farther Apology, I shall enter upon the Description of Possum in general.
Position, then, is the different Placing or Setting our Feet on the Floor, whether in Conversation or Dancing; and those for Conversation, or when we stand in Company, are when the Weight rests as much on one Foot as the other, the Feet being considerably separated or open, the Knees straight [sic], the Hands placed by the Side in a genteel Fall or natural Bend of the Wrists, and being in an agreeable Fashion or Shape about the Joint or Bend of the Hip, with the Head gracefully turning to the Right or Left, which compleats [sic] a most Heroic Posture; and, tho' it may be improper, in the Presence of Superiors, among Familiars, it is a bold and graceful Attitude, called the Second Positions: Or, when the Heel of the right or left Foot is inclosed or placed, without Weight, before the Ancle [sic] of that Foot by which the Poise is supported, the Hands being put between the Folds or Flaps of the Coat, or Waiste-coat [sic] , if the Coat is unbuttoned, with a natural and easy Fall of the Arms from the Shoulders, this produces a very modest and agreeable Posture, named the Third Position inclosed [sic] Or, if the inclosed [sic] Foot be moved open from the other, sideways, to the Right or Left, about the Distance of half a Foot, or as far as, in setting it down to the Floor, the Weight of the Body resting on the contrary Foot is not disordered by it, with the Toes handsomely turning out, the Hat under one Arm, and the other in some agreeable Action, the Head also turning a little from the Foot on which the Poise rests, this we stile the Fourth Position open, and it may be very justly esteemed a most genteel and becoming Posture."
“The Positions, from which Dancing dates its Original, consist of five Principles: As, first, when the Toes turning outwards, the two Heels are equally placed together. Secondly, when both Heels are ”
confidently separated or open. Thirdly, when the Poise rests upon one Foot, the other being inclosed or placed before the Ancle of that Foot by which the Weight is supported. Fourthly, when the inclosed Foot is advanced upon a right line, about the Length of a Step in Walking. And, Fifthly, when, the Heel of the advanced Foot is so crossed and placed before the Toe of that Foot on which the Body rests, as that the Turning may be made, and yet one Foot not. in the lead, interrupt the other.
“The Positions, from which Dancing dates its Original, consist of five Principles: As, first, when the Toes turning outwards, the two Heels are equally placed together. Secondly, when both Heels are ”
confidently separated or open. Thirdly, when the Poise rests upon one Foot, the other being inclosed or placed before the Ancle of that Foot by which the Weight is supported. Fourthly, when the inclosed Foot is advanced upon a right line, about the Length of a Step in Walking. And, Fifthly, when, the Heel of the advanced Foot is so crossed and placed before the Toe of that Foot on which the Body rests, as that the Turning may be made, and yet one Foot not. in the lead, interrupt the other.
