The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
SECURING SUCCESS.
TerpsichOrean Fame Not to Be Attained
at a Single BOund-Hard Work and
Perseverance Necessary, so Says Mrs.
Elizabeth Lewis, the Well Known
Teacher.

From time immemOrial, dancing has
been, among all nations, and In all
GRADES of society, the most fascinating
Of indoor diversions, but never has II
reached the degree of popularity at
tained within the past few. years. The
old time prejudice against round
dances, the idea that the position as
sumed was unrefined, or the results of
thc exercise unbeneficial from hy-
genie standpoint, has quite passed
away, and even the most reluctant un-
believer has been forced to relinquish
mis- cherished sentiments, and to admit
that dancing. in moderation, Is the cal
isthenicS par excellence for young and
old An innate love for TerpsichOre
turks in the hearts of all, and unless one
be blase to an alarming extent, he could
not fail to enjoy the magic swing of a
dreamy waltz or the inspiring exhilara-
ton of the two-step. Sousa, the March
King, has been responsible in meas
ure for the remarkable popularity of
the latter dance, and so long as his
genius remains, the two-step will be
much in evidence.
A fad of the day and a very pretty
one, Is fancy dancing, not alone for
children, but for children of larger
growth as well:-"Men are only boys
grown tall. hearts don't change much
after all" and there is certain charm
in the graceful curves of a Spanish
Cachuca, the jaunty dash of a Horn
pipe. the stately dignity of the French
Court Minuet, which one cannot, and
would not, If one could, resist.
Such dancing is gaining steady hold,
as was proven by the crowded houses
at the recent Fete Champetre. The in
tense interest shown by the spectators,
the care and undoubted work given by
those taking part, were not for sweet
charity alone, but were prompted by
growing appreciation for characteristic
dancing.
TO the unthinking public. such an ex-
hibition Is taken for granted; it is free
~ commented upon, is criticized, often
unjustly; the participants are hattered,
but the one to whom credit Is due, the
presiding genius, whose talent and
thought whose hours and days and
| weeks of mental and physical work have
resulted in marvellous, colossal thing
OF beauty, which brings rest and am
usement to thousands Of people, is for
| gotten, quite too often, by wofully
large majority.
The teaching of dancing has become
an art, and has of late been taken up
by women to great extent. A woman
| of average intelligence, thrown upon
h'i oNH ieSouTCes, One VINO mas DuSi-
ness tact and an undaunted desire to
| succeed, can. in casting about for an
occupation, do no better than interest
herself in dancing
She must have at least years in
struction from a thoroughly competent
| teacher. and must not think that, be-
| cause she has always been considered
graceful dancer her grace will be of
commercial value without the knowl-
edge as to how to impart her ideas to
others. She must abjure society, and
work conscientiously, unfalteringly,
showing interest for all. partially for
| none<and above all she must know that.
however painstahing she may be, there
| VIII aways be people to criticize her
work.
| The discomforts, nevertheless, vii, be
| rev, ana Will be more than counterbal-
anced by the kindly interest of the
| many people who do appreciate her
| work; by the knowledge that she has
| done her best. and has gained for her
self fair income in a pleasant way.
| ELIZABETH LEWIS