Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-01-14
FOR THE sPE TAToR.

.Messrs. Editors In this era Of good feeling,
while the "Christmas Carols" still llnger, and
the young, the middle aged. and the old are en-
joying themselves il will not be deemed breach
of etiquette or transgtession Of social and moral
laws, / hope, to refer to species of amusement.
which has gradually stolen into our society, and
which would be thought perfectly innocent. if The
echo Of the ecclesiastical canon, did not disturb
the scrupulous conscences of the CANADIANS,
Nlammas and obedient Papay of the country. :
My reason for calling the attention of your read
ers to this amusement at this ime is owing 10 the
receipt Of complimentary letter from one of the
youthful "faif." feel il to be duty TO answer
this little Miss's epislle, that her mind may be
composed.
Holly HILL, January 3rd, 1852.
Mr. DE Couerly.- Sir-As nay Papa and Mamma
have allowed me the privilege ofearning to dance,
and as have accepted their kindness, as prepare
tory 10 making my entire in society, | wish to
know, if you think would make good impress
sion on the beaux, by making my debut in pref
~ white silk dress Cor white satin, either will do,
as Mamma says car have either like, and will
leave tina, to you mado to fit well to my person,
which, my dancing master says is more than ordl-
narily graceful. TO participate in waltz or polka,
which prefer, as we have become more fashion,
able, than when Mamma was first "turning out"
because Fanny Ellsler, and Lola Monies had not
effected SO great change in the actions OF society
as we perceive row. | find in reading my favor
lite author, Byron that he was delighted with, the
"wallz," which he styles as
Endearing Waltz! to thy more melting tune,
Bow, Irish jig, and ancient rlgadoon;
Yirginia reels, avauni! and country dance, orego
Your future claims 10 each fantastic toe.
remain your friend, EMMA.
P. S-Please notice this in yonr next, ard
will not dance II you object to it. You are an ell.
derby gentleman, withseme knowledge oil the world
and will submit to your opinion.
Well Miss Emma, as you have fatteree me so
much as TO depend upon my decision in this mailer,
will kindly and candidly lei You know what are
my views on the subject. Miss Emma must know,
that the art of dancing, is an accomplishment,
which every lady should be acquainted with, and
her dear Mamma and Papa were sensible enough
to know it also. 1t moulds ladies tout ensemble,
giving her graceful, becoming manner, especially
if she be told by her "dancing- she is more
than ordinarily graceful" The simple minuet
Miss Emma, I do not object TO. When ] was
Young and buoyaut, remember how much en-
loved it. and also what pleasant recreation it was
when became suIfeit with books. But, Miss
Emma, there may be some difference ofopinion On
the art of gracefully waltzing, with gentleman
if you have no objection 10 being gently pressed by
q gentleman, il NAV be harmless but If you on
cool reflection should object 10 that. you may ca
SHY perceive the right or wrong intended or com
United.
Blu, you wish TO crafty little vanity (Which
is characteristic Of your sex, and which will not
censure in yGu) and also to attract the glddy,
thoughtess beauy, who pervert the true enjoymens
of Sucieiy. and convert them into nuisance. And
is it with them you wish to make an impression!
Your favorie arthur might give you more ad-
vice on that subject than can. Perhaps you had
better consult hin. Miss Emma, think there is
nothing more innocent, than 10 witness young
lady in furSeows. whose eve dscourses sweetsllen
music To her partner, gently moving through The
mystic mazes of the minue. had the pleasure,
few evenings since, to see one of your sex In One
uf these minuets, when
"Her feet beneath her pettcoat,
Like little mice stole in and out
As if they feared The light;
But, oh she dances such away,
No sun upun an Easter day
Is half 50 fine sight"
If you desire, Miss Emma, to make an impress
sion on the sensible portion fsociety, perhaps you
will find it best to continue adding to your stock OF
knowledge, and you will make more lasting i'm.
preston than by attending 10 the eight fantastic"
How did You find Inc out Miss Emma Every
9uidnunc has been "shrewly guessing" and you
are the first to have guessed even the right one: