Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-08-13
For the Yorkville Enquirer
THE DANCE.

THE DANCE.
Messrs. Editors:-Hsving recently attended
ball in neighboring village where such exhibl-
tions are somewhat rare, allow me to give you
brief description thereof for the benefit Of oil who
relish that innocent and exhiaratiug amusement.
It was the first thing of the kind we had ever
seen, and of course we paid special attention to
all eyolutions and maneuvres-to their balancings,
cross-overings, hands-arounded-ness, &c. There
was one tall, gaunt looking chap, whose head was
eternally bobbiug up and down just as if he was
trying to knock known the chandelier or as if his
centrifugal force was so great that he preferred
dancing with his head against the ceiling. But
lust look down at his feet and that delusion was
instantly dissipated. For there was evidently an
insuperable stiff .leggedness about him that our
sym pathies were instantly awakened, and we felt
like applying to the Legislature for him, to pro-
cure an extra pair of joints somewhere between
the knee and ankle 1t was obvious at first glance
that he would never be able to attain the double
semi-quiver-ness of graceful fandango. He
was dancing with beautiful partner, who, en-
dowed by nature with considerable heel.and-toe-
tiyeness had availed herself of the advantages Of
art and it was well for her that her education
had not been neglected, for her gigantic compan-
ion seemed determined to make an impression,
Judging from his frequent efforts to entce her
corns between his No. 9 and the floor. But she
evaded every danger and finally came of to my
great admiration, as safely as Sinbad the Sailor
returned from his hunt after elephants teeth.
In another part of the room there were two
other disciples of Terpsichore, "muse of the ma
ny-twinking feet" who attracted our attention
next. They were indulging iu that very innocent
pastme-the waltz, which Byron with his accus-
toned turbulence so severely assailed. Really, we
could see nothing Objectionable in it. True, the
arm of the gentleman was around the lady's waist
but what of that!-as the Dutchman asked of
the man who called him liar. The lady did not
appear to object and why should we? We saw,
however, that the party were laboring under one
difficulty Hoops, those wonderful orbicular ro-
tundites, had found their way into this quiet vii
lage-away up the mountains-where we did not
think such things could make headway, but
where they are really cheap luxury, as hickory
rods arc so plenty that it is easy to manufacture
enough for home-consumption. Yes, hoops was
the predominant fashion, and we think rightly
rightly enough, as they obviate one of the most
serious objections against the dance-that the
close juxtapostion of parties is not productive OF
ascesicism Hoops are great unfamiliarizers, for
if O man succeeds in getting his arms around the
waist it will be at the imminent risk of his neck
so far will his perpendicularity be compromised
But in spite of hoops, On inability to keep time,
an unfortunate deficiency in joints and other mi
nor inconveniences-awa they oil went in per-
petual. knock-down and lrag-out whirliggness.
We thought of Byron,
"On with the dance let joy be unconfned."
Much to our chagrin, we sat there with our hat in
our hand, unable to participate in the beautiful
recreation, and vowed mentally that on the first
opportunity we would put our feet in training for
future exploits. Really, as an innocent amuse-
ment. we must think the dance unequalled. 1t
should form part of the education in every
chool-especially, every one devoted to the edu'
cation of girls. Affording exercise and pleasure
and giving that amenity Of manners and ease and
gracefuluess Of motion, as necessary as mental
culture, to complete our beau idealof aman. And
of ladies-what do you think of lady without
grace. would as soon see one without hoops
breasting heavy gale. Aud this seems to be the
opinion of the world for two thirds of her edu'
cation is confessedly to give her accomplishments
And who objects toit? Who can object to beauty
.smightier than Manoahs SOM" 1t is woman's
forte and without beauty Of person or beauty Of
manners, she would cease to exert over man the
benign and civzing influence which has hallowed
her name and thrown around home IN enchant'
ment that causes him to forget the ''pride, the
pomp and circum stance of var" in the blandish'
ments of social life.
But it is not as special pleader in favor of the
dance, that we have taken up the pen. Our OBJ
iect was merely to give charcoal sketch OF few
of the most striking personages, and as soon as
.the novelty of the thing somewhat wore of, and
We became somewhat accustomed to the outre un
bendableness of our tall friend, we had leisure to
view the array of beauty on the floor. Partcu'
larly were we struck with Miss -, who with
dignity of manners and intellectually of express
sion, was yet graceful dancer, and, Judging from
the manner in which her chair was guarded, alto
gether "brght particular star" We were al
most tempted to seek an introduction, but from
some cause or other we have secret dread of q
reigning BELLE 1t must be so troublesome that
apart from the Aattery of the thing, the best dis
position in the world will become naughty and ir
rtable But here in this corner, what quiet little
lady is that whose dancing we so much admired
for its suapitsr in mlodo? That is Miss -, ano
ther star just rising in the horizon of beauty
How rich the roses blushing on her cheeks |! All
health is indeed blessing which We know no