Birmingham age-herald., 1895-01-11
NEW DANCES.
SOME NEW FIGURES FOR THE FIN-DE
 sIECLE CoTILLIoN.

SOME NEW FIGURES FOR THE FIN-DE
 sIEcLE CoTILLIoN.
 Houston Post,
 The cotillion is unquestionably the fn- de-siecle dance. To'dance the cotillion is one of society's imperative requisites. Ig norance of this mighty accomplish ment is considered an evidence that you are not to the manner born. Nor will all the dancing school proficiency in the world avail you anything, for familiarity with the cotillion means ball room experience. There is lit- tie to wonder at in its popularity. Ia it there can always be novelty, SO long as new figures and new favors can be ln- vented. And in the former is given an opportunity less to the dancing master than to the leader of the cotillion. It is he who is expected to invent some new and effective figures. It is much wonder, such being the case, that in the world of dancers the leader capable of inventing new figures is regarded as benefacgor and is much sought after and toasted, as he deserves. To be able to lead the coLillion is the ambi- ton of every young man in society.
 The fencing figure owes it's origin to the inventive genius of the marchioness of Dufferin, in whose ball room it was first danced. Unless the men dancers are all fencers it should never be attempted. At the end of the foil is attached tiny pow der puff liberally sprinkled with powder. Each time the successful man touches his opponent snowy mark ls left on his coat. When vital point is touched the weapons are dropped and the victor waltzes off with his fair prize. To make the figure effective foils should be plentiful and at least half a dozen couples engaged in combat at one time.
 THE NEW DOOR FIGURE.
 One of the very newest figures of this season is called the door figure. The great object in any cotilion figure is that the effect should be beautiful and artistic. Any attempt at buffoonry should be sup pressed. For beautiful effects the door figure is certainly a success. Some slight previous arrangement is necessary.
 Light laths Of wood must be nailed to- gether to form the framework of a door. Over these Is pasted tissue paper of bright colors, every one different. There should be as many doors as there are couples. These are placed at interv als down the con- ter of the room, each one held ill position by a couple. To add to the effect every alter nate lady should be on the right side of the doors, while those between are on the left. The dancers first waltz around the room and next through each of the doors, burst ing through the delicate tissue paper ob- structions one after another.
 MARINERS COMPASS.
 The mariners 8 compass is beautiful fig ure, resem bling in many respects the ever- popular May y-pole. The dial of large compass of painted cardboard is fastened to high pole. Tied to the compass are as many long, variegated ribbons as there are ladies. Inscribed on each is one of the points of the compass. The gentlemen, wearing miniature compasses in their but ton oles, held with a colored rosette of rib- bon, surround the compass in ring. A second ring is now formed by the ladies around the men. Each lady catches hold of Q ribbon, on the end of which is some dainty trif1e as favor.
 The men then turn round the compass one way, while the ladies go the other. At word from the leader the double circle is broken and the dancers divide in couples. with a colored ribbon similar to the one at tached to his boutonniere. Then follows the waltz.
 THE CALL FIGURE.
 A figure which causes much amuseme mt and requires no previous arrangement be- yond providing a small flute is called the call figure. A gentleman designated by the leader takes his position on a chair in the middle of the room. At intervals he plays the flute. This is the signal Tor some lady amoug the dancers. to invite vim to dance. Sometimes, as jest, he is ale wed to blow indefinitely. Calling, as he is, 1or release from his absurd position invaria bl causes much laughter.
 Again, another man has scarcely blown the flute when, at signal from the leader, every girl in the room crowds around him. To make choice from such an embarrass- ing wealth of femininity is 0 perplexing problem. There is just enough boisterous fun in this figure, perhaps, to make ir un- desirable except at an informal dance. The most effective aud picturesque figure should always be the final one. One wnich | is very popular for this purpose is called | the snow ball figure. For obvious reason 8 l it must always come at the conclusion of | the cotilliou. A number of balls filled with | con fetti or tiny fragments of white paper are at given signal from the leader | thrown into the air. As these balls are covered with the thinnest tissue paper | they burst in the. throwing and emit | showers of snowy paper. At the word turesquely adhering to thee,adies' hair and bare shoulders and to the u1s $ coats. The souvenir favors of tfa cot,llion dsuG serve word. Every season there Asd ideas for these. end no hostess ever