The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-05-03
FASHIONABLE DANCING.

The return to quadrilles at some of the
latest balls at Delmonico's in the winter
of 1884, was an important epoch in the
history of dancing, reterating the we'll
known prCvcrb of the dressmakers that
everything comes round in fifty wears.
Fashion seems to be perennial III this
way, for it is almost fifty years-cer-
tainiy forty-since the quadrille was at
the height of fashion. In Germany.
where they dance for dancing's sake, the
Quadrille was long ago voted rocco and
stiff. In England and at court balls il
served always as way, dignified man.
ner, for sovereigns and people Of incon-
vcniently high rank to begin ball, to
open a iestivity, and it had a sporadic
existence in the country ard at Wash
ineton even during the years when the
la"cers, much livelier dance, had
chased it away from the New York balls
FOR long period Of time.
The quadrille is a stately and con-
varsational dance. The figures are ac-
curate, and every one should know them
well enough to respond to the voice of
the leader But inasmuch as the figures
are always calling one away from his
partner, the first law is to have a large
supply OF small-talk, SO that, on reioin-
ing, remark and smile may make M
lor lost time. A calm, graceful carriage,
tie power to make an elegant courtesy,
are necessary to a lady. No ore in those
days takes steps: sort of galop is, how
ever, allowed in the rapid figures OF the
quadrille. y defiant manner, sometimes
assumed by bashful man, is out of
place, although there are certain figures
which make a man feel rather defiant.
One of these is where he is obliged. as
cavalier Seul, to advance to three ladies'.
who frequently laugh at him. Then
man should equally avoid boisterous
demeancr in a quadrille. not swinging
the lady round too gayly. 1t is never
romping dance, like tine Virginia reel. for
instance.
All people are apt 20 walk through
quadrille slowly. to music. until they
come to the ladies chaip'' or the
promenade 1t is, however, permssi-
be to add little swinging step and
graceful dancing movement to this
stately promenade. A quadrille cannot
go on evenly if any confusion arises from
the ignorance, obstinacy or inattention
of one of the dancers. 1t is proper,
therefore, if ignorant of the figures, to
consult dancing master and to learn
them. 1t is a most valuable dance, as
all ages. sizes and conditions of men and
women can join in it. The young, old.
stout, thin. lazy, active, married, or sin
Gle, without loss of CASTE" can dance q
quadrille. No one looks ridiculous dane
ing a quadrille. 1t is decidedly easier
than the german, makes break in q
tete-a-tcte conversation, and enables a
gentleman to be polite to lady who may
got be 4 good dancer for waltz or polka.
The morality of round dances seems now
to be little questioned. At any rate.
young girls in the presence of their
mothers are not supposed to come 70
harm from their enjoyment. Dancing is
one Of the oldest, the most historical
forms OF amusement. Even Socrates
learned to dance. There is no longer an
accommodation on the waltz. that
dance which Byron abused.
IN England the valse deux temps is
still the most fashionable, as it always
will be the most beautiful, of dances.
Some of the critics of all countries have
said that only Germans, Russians and
Americans can dance it. The Germans
| dance it very quickly, with great deal
of motion, but render it elegant by
Stacking the pace every now and then.
The Russians waltz so quietly, on the
contrary, that they can go round the
room holding trimming glass of cham
payne without splitting drop. This
evenness III Waiting is very graceful.
and can only be reached by long practice,
a good car for >music, and natural
graceiuluess. Young Americans, who.
as a rule, are the best dancers in the
world, achieve this step to admiration.
1t is the gentleman's duty in any round
dance to guide hIs fair companion grace
| fully; he must not risk collision or the
chance of Il fall. \ lady should never
waltz if she feels dizzy. 1t is a sign of
disease Of the heart, and has brought on
death. Neither should she step fiat
footed. and make her partner carry her
round: but must do her part of the
work, and dance lightly and well, or not
at all. Then. again, neither should her
, partner waltz on the tip of his toes. NOR
lift his partner too much off the floor:
all should be smooth, graceful, delicate.
The American dance of the season ia
however, the polka-not the old FASH
Toned 'heel and toe" but the step, Quick
and gay, of the Sclavoric nationalities
1t may he danced slowly or quickly. II
is always, however, spirited step. and
/ the music is undoubtedly pretty. The
! lCOSTINuED on FOURTH PAGH,l