The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-02-05
Fandango against sohottische.

We find the following consolation for those
afflicted with the fashionable st. vtus dance,
now turning all heads and heels in this metrop-
oils. We wonder if it can be tie Schottische
under another name. If not, it must be cousin
german to Though it must be confessed that
the story is somewhat apocryphal
The most old-fashioned person, who believes
that ladies should keep gentlemen at least at
arms l-ngth, must confess that these Dances of
Prpinquity, whether performed by
Egypi's .7imas fanialisng group"
by Spanish peasants, or Partisan masquers-or
by American imilators Of exotic graces--are
pheasant if wrong: while the damsels who
dance them, would rise up in arms to resist their
expulsion from the saloons of fashion. "Hearts"
were "trumps" in the old suits played by our
ancestors: toes are trumps under the new regime
Translated from the German by Charles Grobe.
The FASDANGo.-This favoritc dance, 60
much in vogue amongst the Spanish and their
descendants. but which is in fact of Moorish
origin, Is designed to represent, AZ is well known
the different stages or shades in the progress of
the tender passion-love, desire, hope, proud
disdan, and relenting tenderness Cold refusal
and warm confession Of the "soft impeachment"
are wildly represented by means of the modu-
iatons OF the music and the voluptuous move
ments of the dancers. Temperament and Gus
tom have rendered the Fandongo and Bolero
(the last Of which is but continuation of or
sequal to the former) expressive of the intoxi-
eating joy Of successful love- the especial favor
ties of the Spanish, and usually form the finale
of all social pleasure. The reserve and charac
teristic haueur Of the Spanard Instantly quit
the field when the light tinkling of the guitar
calls him to the wanton Fandnngc.
1t is recorded that the Roman clergy, shocked
at the immoral nature Of the Fandango, resolved
in solemn assembls upon its suppression. A
coDsistory was commissioned TO make it the
subject of enquiry; and after due deliberation.
when they were about to pronounce sentence
upon and Danish the dance, one of the cardinals,
actuated by sentiments of right and Justice. and
acting upon the principle that no defendant
should be condemned heard, urged that the
Fandango, the accused, be brought before the
bar of the court in propria persona The just
ness of the benevolent cardinals views were at
once acknowledged and accordingly two Of the
most noted Spanish dancers wcre summoned TO
appear before the court, by way Of counsel for
the Fandango before the august tribunal
The dance commenced the holy fathers, with
contracted brows, looked for while unmoved :
at length the seductive charms and irresistible
loneliness of the dance exhibited their effects in
chasing away the wrinkles from the forehead of
its austere Judges. Hostile Indications and bel
Iicosc intentions with reference to a dance, by
imperceptible degrees, merged into lively inter.
est and fixed attentions now as its charms more
fully developed themselves one of the reverend
gentlemen 80 far forgot himself and his position
az to be guilty of the manifest improperly of
beating time TO the movements Of the musc.
The dance went on, becoming still more and
more seductive, when one of the worthy clergy
suddenly boted from his seat, and commenced
executing the movements Of the dance Another
and another followed, the furor became general;
the judges benchsbecarne empty all were
whirling in the Ance; and what was late cIer-
ical court Wa Suddenly metamorphoscd into
dancing saloon. II Is needless to record tho
verdict: the Fdndango was reinstalled with all
It's former rights and privileges, and its glorious
triumph has proved IFS security against all similar
attempts on the part Of the clergy.
Great ia the Fdudnuoo,