The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-02-07
THE CoTILLoN.
Recognized as the Fashionable Dance Throughout
Europe-Its Origin Thought to be Freneh-The
Variations In Figures In Different Countries
Favors-Fauoy Dress Cotillons In Paris.

Eur0pe-lts Origin Thought to be Freneh-The
Variations In Figures In Different Countries
Fayors-Fanoy Dress Cotillons In Paris.
IN. Y. Home JOurnal.]
The cotillen or german, 1t Is often called the
most important dance of the present time 1t orig
mated presumably in France, where as early as the
ned by masquerade carried on by limited mum.
Der OF persons In character costume. great many
of the figures are linea descendants OF old gavotes
minueis de la cRur, and various old dances which
originated in the ancient French courts. The ger
man proper, however, as danced at the present day,
various old traditions, and has reached ts present
height of favor during the past thirty forty years.
me sotilom e tns feGSgniaed iasnlonaoe dance
BILE variation in figures, and methods In Italy,
for instance this dance frequently lasts four i've, and
appointment of two, or even three leaders, who, as
the duties required OF them are arduous replace
each other when fatigue makes 1t desirable.
In England the cotillon is not popular, and what
little favor II receives Is owing principally to the in
uence of the Prince of Wales. The English are too
formal for such hilarious and prefer tax
ing their pleasure in dancing by programme made
up OF round and square dances. AT cotillon given
In Leominster, in England, short time ago. the
Young ladies dancing were SO covered by timidty,
mauvaise homie, or whatever the feeling may have
been, that they refused to stake out any partners
the shoulders of the leader," who was obliged to do
it for all each time. American girls would perhaps
hardly imagine such an instance possible, but II
really occurred.
In Paris, that centre of gaiety from time imme-
mortal, the cotillon iourishes, and these dances In
that country present scenes of great mirth and
beauty. There are introduced often what called
"objects de cotillon. For instance, great gilt fan
six feet high and spread out 30 that ii looks ike
great huge re-screen, ia brought In; in the centre
is large space; behind this Is stationed one Of the
young lady dancers. the space being just large
the fan are movable, and each bears motto, some
complimentary, Others the reverse. Various young
ssnyng which she preers e q dance with
turning The fan and having the sentiment revealed,
encouraging or otherwise. Another pretty figure
was fayors which looked like tulip bulbs, hut which
when pulled out proved to be most brilliant and
beautiful flowers, each couple who drew the same
kind of flowers dancing together.
In Germany the parties are very early. A good
custom, and one to be highly recommended every.
where Guests are asked from eight O'Clock or
Whereabouts; the invitations are never later than
nine, and the people come at the time they are IN
vited. As most OF the dancing men In Germany are
else and military way. The officers always enter a
ballroom with their hemlets under their arms and
their swords canEing at their heels. These they re-
tain until their programmes are filled for the even
ing, when they deposit these Announcements in the
cloak-room. 1t IL rare In Germany to- engage a
partner beforehand for the german but in France
and Italy it is frequently done, though the sending
| of flowers to ones partner Is not obligatory. In
| Germany II a gentleman dances twice with the same
| lady during the evening II occasions remark. II
three times il IL considered almost equivalent TO an
announcement OF an engagement between the pair
| In Europe 1t Is considered extremely bad form tc
converse with one's partner while dancing, and the
young lady is Invariably remanded instantly to hel
| chaperone as soon as the dance Is finished Also II
| Is the custom that II a gentleman dances with 9
stranger by chance, thing which is most easy tc
occur when dancing the coton, he either Introduces
round is inlshed asks some acquaintance to presen
him to the lady 1t is considered great breach Of
etiquette II this asking for an Introduction unde
In Germany, as well as In France, they are yer,
fond Of large yet pieces for cotillon At beanti
full party given In the former country huge imita
ton elephant was introduced which moved me
chanically, and on the back OF which was perched 9
man holding the fayors for the coming inquire, To-
pieces represented ticket OF IRE, which was als'
brought into the ballroom with aicketmaster In 1t
who dispensed tickets to the guests, and those wit
were bound TO the same destination danced with
each other. Refreshments are never served durinl
eom% GsS ss paes ses
their chairs with which to refresh themselves al In
tervas.
country, cotillons begin very late and are kept VI
far into the morning, daylight being excluded b.
tinae 50 long that it is usual thing 10 have break
fast served before the dispensing Of the company
1t is usual also to appoint servant or two to wal
arrange flowers, fetch champagne, etc. The leade
OF the cotlon himself is the master OF the house
or never has partner, nor is Il customary for tn
son or master OF the house TO act az leader, SOM
proficient in the art being considered "sin
qua non."
1t IL not unusual at some OF the grand balls giye
In Paris, Florence, and Rome TO have vast sums ex
extremely pretty. Tortoise shell and silver cigar
cutters for the men, and for the girls glove-boxe
OF plush or satin, handgasses, etc. At a very mag
nihcent ball given recently In London the gentlemen
dancing the cotillon were invested with ribbo
with beautiful repousee silver device attached
purporiing 10 be the insignia OF "St. potin le con
loneur." the patron saint OF the dance, and a
, another ball In the same city each OF the guest
were presented with bronze medal with the arm
OF the gyer wrought in gold and the date Of til
party.
In Paris they very fond Of giving fancy dres
cotillons, where every one comes In costume, an
"poudre cotillons," where ladies come with thei
hair powdered aud the men in their red hunting
coats with white-silk knee brooches and also hayin
their hair powdered Al one OF these fancy -dres
parties lady appeared dressed as corpse s
perfect the effect that several persons fantet
! and the lady Of the house was forced TO ask he
guest to 20 home This lady wore shroud and
/ paste mask maze TO represent exactly the lace q
. one dead Her escort was gotten up as skeleton
These were sad representatives, Indeed, TO trip TO
gay and festive measure.