The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1879-02-12
SOCIAL DANCING.
A Brief Review OF The rerpsichorean Ar.

" ''"
To the Editor of the Lead.r:
II we were to compare the fashions
BILE dances Of the present day with
those In vogue a few years ago, we
would not fail to observe the remarka-
BILE change which has taken place.
The waltz, in its original form, was
irst introduced from Germany, about
thirty years ago, and at the time re-
ceived with GOODNESS by the leaders of
fashion, in England as well as in
America. Eventually, the absolute
beauties of--the movement, refinement
of the rythm and elegance of the
music won for 1t almost almost uni
versal admiration. 1t soon become the
most popular dance of the time, and
has ever since retained its supremacy
among dances.
Since its introduction it has under
gone many alterations and variations,
which have proven very much to its
advantage. The arrangement now SO
popular, and known as the "glide." is
simply q combination Of the many
styles that have beenin vogue since its
introduction, while retaining the es-
sential qualities of the original waltz
When the present style of waltzing
was first introduced both press and
pulpit were loud in their condemna-
ton of the innovation. But they
began at the wrong end of the story.
1t is not the dance, but the dancer
who should have been criticised. The
expression of good taste in movements
Of all kinds, but most conspicuously in
dancing, is the result Of the refining
influence of education. Some content
themselves with so little, and that is
so easily learned that the most conspic-
uous are usually the self-taught, who
have not learned to distinguish good
taste In motion from the mere material
effect of Juggling about to music.
No one who views a social gathering
of dancers will fail to see that there is
frequently great need of discipline in
their movements in the beautiful
"glide" waltz. The quadrilles now in
vogue in fashionable society are danced
in q very quiet, modest and becoming
way. Not the way they were danced
twenty years-shufied through without
grace OIL regard to time or tune.
The German is always popular
with young people and children ; so
much so that matinees and soirees are
devoted exclusively to the great varie-
ty Of figures. 1t is also popular with
older people who are proficient in the
round dances.
The German y was first introduced
into London in 1874 by Coulon, and
into Paris by Cellarius, and about the
same time from Germany and Russia.
1t at once became popular. Its popu-
larity in this country has been Of slow
growth, and that for many reasons, not
the least OF which is the want of
knowledge, tact and judgment Of some
teachers in introducing 1t. 1t requires
taste and experience in the selection
and adaptation of figures to our socie-
ty. Much complaint is often made that
only a few favored ones are selected in
each of the different figures, while the
rest of those who are taking part are
entirely overlooked. Everything de-
ponds on the leader, y and much of
the life and animation Of the Ger
man " also depends on the participants
being familiar with the figures which
simplifies the task of the : leader"
These dances, with their fashionable
figures and movements, have been
called dances Of society," They are
approved and adopted by people of Gull
tivation, taste and refinement, and are
danced alike in all sections of Europe
and America. TERPsICuoRE.
Cheyenne, Feb. IL, 1879.