Deutsche Borse appears increasingly isolated in the latest round of The Dance of the Stock Exchanges.

Having sat out a string of waltzes in recent months and been turned down by many a handsome beau, it now finds itself without a potential partner in the quickstep and gallop. Who will save The Last Waltz for the stodgy German market? Will it even make the celebratory conga?

As many a prospective partner has discovered, Deutsche Borse likes to have its own way. It insists any new headquarters must be in Frankfurt, for example, while offering small concessions here and there.

At a time when only the sharpest knives in the box with the fleetest of feet will triumph, it announced at its shareholder meeting that it’s not willing to pursue a deal at any cost with its preferred partner, Euronext.

The brash Americans continue to call the shots with the more than willing pan-Continental temptress.

Faint heart never won fair maiden. Is it all over for the teutonic giant?