The expression "dancing attendance on" refers to the action of being attentive, servile, or subservient to someone, typically in a manner of waiting upon or following them closely. This idiom emphasizes the notion of being at someone's beck and call, ready to fulfill their every need or desire. The term "dancing" metaphorically represents the nimbleness, agility, or eagerness with which one accommodates the wishes of another.
This phrase, derived from an old practice of courtiers who would perform intricate and elaborate dances while attending to the royalty, conveys the idea of constantly being available, watchful, and obliging. It implies a dedicated and diligent commitment to providing one's full attention or assistance to the individual being served, often in a deferential or obsequious manner.
The phrase "dancing attendance on" can be used to describe situations in which a person seeks to please or appease another by constantly anticipating their needs, following them closely, or waiting upon them diligently. It suggests a sense of subordination, subservience, or even fawning behavior towards the person in question. Conversely, it can also imply an individual's willingness to go the extra mile in order to support, assist, or cater to someone's requirements, indicating loyalty, attentiveness, and devotion.
