The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-17
phlevous autumn winds in the story

cnieVouS autumn Winos HI Sho ssois dances.
 It Is almost impossible for our Amori- can trunks to bend us do the trunks of these flexible little people. Our profes sionai dancers accomplish 1t, but rarely m amateur. With the umbrella tilted ailuringly over the shoulder. the Japanese girl sways far backward, then, in this position, moves with a slow, undulating step to tho rhythm of the samisen, Tho actual steps of these dances are almost indescribable; but I Sannot conceive Of any better grace trainirs for all of you than to go through some gliding waltz steps in the position of the little Japa- nese dancer Clasp your parasol lightly. bend the body far backward, make every line a curve rather than an angie. move without jerk and move slowly enough to make equilibrium hard proposition.
 The. umbrella is held high above the head with both hands during some of the stately steps This Is an excellent stretching practice. Try holding 1t aloft, twirling its handle between the two palms; this is Japanese movement and Is combined with a step something like what we call the English waltz. in which you rise suddenly upon the toe just before the third count.
 Catching a butterfly is the most be- witching motion in all the parasol game The teacher blows a thistledown or a small feather, starting 1t flying about the room The little girls all turn their umbrellas upside down, holding them by the handles. and scamper after the make believe butterfly, each one trying to scoop it with her umbrella. The teacher keeps it flying with gusts from her fan. If any pupil is rough or ungraceful in single motion she Is put out out Of tss he game; g,Irhr.,,os are caught on each side by the edge. They represent the upturned new moon which rocks to sleep an infant star. Swaying, grooming, the umbrella Is rock ed from side to side. The adansey moves with a slow step similar to a waltz. These steps are all taken In stockinged rect. The stocking worn Is a compromise be- tween hosiery as we know otina It ana ci2se tsn tiny, flexible feet At first the pupils are taught an odd little running step. Keep ing the feet tight together. they run for ward with short, rapid steps, moving up- on the balls of the feet. After this they are taught to run backward and side ward, always keeping the feet close to- gether.
 With the umbrella tilted back over the shoulder, its handle kept twirling between thumb and forefnger, the cross-step IS taken. The right foot is crossed in front of the left, then with a quick, shuftiinE motion the dancer pit-a-pats forward. It is no easy matter to think of your cross ed feet your bending position and your twirllng umbrella, all at once.
 The closed umbrella is used similarly 10 our wand. Practice with 1t develops the slender, little brown arms and shoulders. It is commonly supposed that the Japa- nese doll is a very fragile specimen. but this is altogether a mistake. She IS olten as sturdy as her brother. and the world is coming to realize how sturdy that is
 Tradition has 1t that there was once q wonderful maiden called the Maiden or the Swift Foot and Hand" She was so ouicl, that she came before the Emperor and he saw her, then of sudden he saw her not. Once she appeared beside an old man who tainted in the road rom