Dance season is upon us, which means that there are many dancers who are going to be deserving of praise. Here is a little sure-fire advice on how to praise a dancer like a professional. We tested the method with Heather Gehring, one of our favorite dance performers and teachers.

Give your dancer a white Vendella rose. This beautiful specimen is from Flowers of the World. She will look at it, smell it, and then gaze at you. You now have her attention.

Next tell her that her performance was inspiring. Be sure to pick out one specific detail of her performance to praise. Doing so will let her know that you really were paying attention to her performance, and that you aren't just giving her generic flattery. Give her a moment to process your compliment, and then hand her one dozen more roses.

Finally, praise her, not just her performance. For instance, based on the photo at left, you might say "You have an exquisite line."

The end result will be a dancer who is exultantly happy.

Here Heather stands in an exultantly happy pose wearing a maroon Piroutte Skirted Camisole Leotard from Danskin's New York City Ballet collection. This camisole leotard has an attached tie-front skirt, shelf bra and NYCB logo ($54.00, style 6013).

Of course, the subject of your adoration does not have to be a dancer. You can adapt the technique for anyone in your life who deserves praise.