Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-11-07

Dancing is very ancient and likewise a very
universal "iustitutiono 1t is practiced by birbS-
rous and civilized nations-by religious societies
and in society to which religion is stranger 1t is
the recreation and amusement of the Fejee Islander
and Guinea negro, as well of the most cultivated
and refined nation David. we are told, danced be-
fore the Tabernacle, and Socrates delighted in the
dance. France, however, was the birthplace of
modern dances and balls and Catharine of Medicis
was distinguished above all the Queens of France
for the gorgeousness and originality of her festivals
and court balls. Once, while on a visit to Bayonne
her court was composed of her daughter the Queen
of SPAIN the Dukes of Alba. Of Saxony, and Lor-
raine and other princes Balls, festivals and PLAYS
followed each other in rapid succession /; but the
most brilliant of these entertainments was given
upon beautifully wooded island in the Bayonne
river Here was erected a large circular saloon
handsomely decorated and surrounded by twelve
arbors Festoonod chandeliers depended from the
trees and within each arbOr was a table that woud
seat twelve persons. In the centre of the saloon
was placed the table for the King the two Queens
and the higher dignitaries of the court The must
clans were hid amongthe trees, so as to be heard
and and not seen. TIE royal table was served by
the Queens maids of honor, dressed as wood
nymphs and maiads, while the edibles and liquors
brought in by servants in the guise of satyrs
Whilst supper was In progress numerous groups OF
dancers appeared in the saloon attired in their ma
tonal costumes, accompanied by musicians perform
ing characteristic airs and executing national dances
table, the saloon, aFbors, table and dancers dsap
| peared as if by magic, and the astOnished guest;
found themselves within seemingly natural amphi
| theatre. A series of the stately dances of tha
| period concluded the affair. - --f 80 .t. q.
At court balls in the sixteenth century it was tile
practice for the ladies to sit rows with their cava
| Tiers behind them. When the signal for dancing
j was given the King or Prince rose from his seat
| wheIeupon the entire assemblage also arose. The
| King then opened the dance with the Queer
or a princes royal. The rest followed the roya
couple in the order of their rank, the ladies OF
| the right and their partners on the left Whili
the royal party on the floor it was considered
| breach Of good manners for any one to be seated
Persons of the highest rank usually danced only the
mnuet. At these balls the ladies usually appeared
/ IN full gala costume, stiff whalebOne skirts anC
| richly embroidered heavy robes, with long trails
| uncommonly tight corsets; the dresses low il
| the neck and exposing the shoulders; coifarr
| Of immense height; the head aud neck overloaded
! with jeweiry; and exceedingly tight shoes with
| high pointed heels. All this would have made any
| OF the fascinating dances of the present day I'M
possible, and rendered even the slow and digni
| fed steps Of that age wearisome task instead O.
| a pleasure. A dancer who axcelled in the minue
| secured a European reputation, and Don John, o.
Austria, Viceroy of the Netherlands once journeyeC
icOgHtO from Brussels to Paris in order TO see him
self, unrecOgnised the best dancer of the Continent
Margaret of Valois-go through a mnuet at
! Court badly. Z EOe'1iag Post, -