The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1886-10-07
The Now Dances,

AAO No" O8oCO0s
Prot. Brooks of Pittsburg-Hereto-
fore new dances have been submitted
to the society anonymously, but this
year the came of the inventor of new
dances was given. This has been q
powerful incentive in developing new
conceptions In the poetry of motion.
Each new dance is voted on by the
society. OF the scores of new ones
submitted only threeo were adopted.
The adoption of my gaRot l attribute
more to its ease and simplicity than to
anything else. 1t is graceful in move
ment, modest, easily learned, and
does not weary the performer.
chow would you describe the gavot?"
asked the reporter.
"As simple description as can
give is this; take four steps to the side,
then make half turn with slide waltz
movement, and then repeat with the
opposite foot both measures. Or. in
the technical language of the ballroom
make one glisse, two glissades. one
glisse to side, turn half round with side
waltz movement, and repeat the
same"
''How do tho American dances com.
pare with those of Paris?' was asked.
1T is not National egotism, think,
to say that the Americans arc setting
the tone for the Partisan ballroom5
Not long ago Partisan teacher made
fortune by teaching exclusively an
American dance. then extremely popu-
lar--the Boston Dip.
"Just recently dancing master from
Sydney. Australia, went to London to
learn the latest novelties in dancing
and was referred to the American So
ciety, to which he at once applied for
membership. Two members of the
American Society are also members OF
the Paris Society. Fortunes have been
made by dancing masters in this coun-
try; for instance, Spies of Baltimore;
but now the women teachers are
becoming formidable competitors.
Which dance is most popular? you
ask. The waltz, forevermore. All
| other dances are mere auxiliaries to
this moving dream of the ballroom.
For this year the springing-waltz will
be the favorit.
1.-The spring differs from the hop in
this; that in the spring the body rises
from the kneejoints, while in the hop
the body rises clear off the floor.
The former prudishness about the
indecency of the waltz has now disap-
peared altogether. There are, how
ever. some who by their unskillfulness
bring the waltz into disrepate. Fol-
example, a gentleman in taking la
dy's hand should never steady his hand
against his side, but extend his
hand downward at a point equi-dis.
lance between both dancers.
The ''pump-handle'' movement is
now regarded coarse, though at one
| time very popular. The. lady's left
hand should rest on the arm of the gen.
tleman, between the shoulder and ell
bow; or, if the lady is very tall. she
may rest her hand on her partner s
shoulder. She should never grasp the
lower side of her partners ARM
''What is the etiquette of ballroom
dress?' queried the visitor.
Full dress-that is, low necked and
| sleeveless dresses for ladies and regula-
ton frock-coat for gentlemen-is al
ways proper. In New York to appear
in neglige is absolutely vulgar. The
social tone of the East now demands
full dress at balls, receptions, and the
opera. Pittsburg is keeping pace with
the East in that regard, and this win
ter more ladies in decolete than ever
will likely be seen at receptions and at
the opera. With regard to gloves?
Ladies, of course should always wear
them; but since the Prince of Wales
forgot his gloves at reception the
style for gentlemen has been to 60
gloveless. Full dress for gentlemen is
every day becoming more imperative]y
demanded by the canons of social life
and will soon become universal"