The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-07

as preliminary TO work in one OF the
schools of dancing. and she declares that
her lessons there were among the most en-
Joyable OF her experiences
MY old professor was the kindest hearted
of men," she says. land he could never
disab use his mind of the idea that / wanted
TO go on the stage. The most strenuous OF
denials produced in him only the obvious be-
lief that l was uncertain TO my ability.
BY an by we get you an engagement, he
would say, nodding his head. Toward the
end Of my term with him he happened 10
be delayed one morning, and while waiting
for him | picked up a theatrical paper
list OF Engagements Wanted on the first
page, l came across my own name-for-
tunateiy only my last name with the pro;
to him about IT, The dear old thing meant
IL in the kindest way, and If he had ever
had an advantageous answer he would
probably have brought il TO me bubbling
over with joy. But fortunately-though not
fiatteringly-he never had, / was spared
the pain of turning IL down The 'engage-
ment wanted atmosphere hung over every
thing about the professors rooms. anyway.
l saw very few people there, Of course,
but every one that l did happen 10 run
into was seeking the professors aid In get
ting opening. One day when came into
my lesson | discovered the professor deep
in conversation with brilliant looking
the one rickety chair that the hall afforded
TO wait. AS / sat there a young mana
nice. clean looking German boy-came up
tiptoed TO the door and went back into the
room without a word. The young man
rang again and again. and there l sat un,
comfortably conscious that / was in full
view and wondering whether | ought 10
open the door or not Finally / concluded
that l ought, so / die. The young fellow
dropped down on the stairs and took of his
cap. Then he looked at me: had sunk
down in my chair again and was waiting.
Got an engagement? he asked.
Il hesitated. Then / concluded 10 be
equally inquisitive- 'No-have you? said.
No. I had one but il amt good enough
I'm r!, looking for something higher ;.,o,.,r
Want TO go on In grand opera. said tbs
German young man placidly 1 gasped:
Perhaps the young man had wonderful
voice. Before 1 could say anything more,
however, the professor bowed his lady
friend out into the hall and down the steps,
and beckoned me into the room. so that
aspirant few weeks later l asked the
professor If the young man / had met in
the hall had an engagement g..
" Him? Yes. he got a engagement GOOD
one, too said the professor.
What is it?" asked curiously. Had the
young German after all, then. fulniled his
Him? Why he got a turn in Happy
Hooligan company. He sing a little, dance
a little do most anything they want
THE funniest thing OF all about my les
sons though was the music. When l nrst
went TO talk M lessons over asked about
the floor and the music. Got fine hardwood
floor sure SAID the professor. Yes and
musicesure; / got music Piano OF harp
That's all right said. approvingly:
danced away with never a sign OF music.
Finally l asked for IL. L could get the
rythmn so much better IL l had plano
or harp TO dance 10, you see. / said
9" Yes yes said the professor. Il think
you're about ready for the music; yes you
have IL this morning. You have the harp,
He went to dig case In the corner anu
/ looked 10 see him take out big golden
harp I'm its usual covering or dlngy ieit-
But there was nothing there that could see
but shelves OF dusty books. so the professor
turned and went into the next room he
came out with his hands 20 his mouth. now
you dance and play he said, ana forth
with he set up a merry tune on nttle
mouth harp such as your brothers used 10
drive you mad with. you know, wnen they
were little boys. Laugh les 4 laughed
at first, but afterward / danced. Tor the
professor made really good music with his
harp and I was inspired 10 an extra de-
gree Of grace and proficiency.
''Of course I know II was funny thing
10 do-to take lessons IN stage dancing
but il gave me some valuable hints. and.
beside, ! wouldn give up my memory OK
Teachers OF stage dancing and teachers
OF aesthetic lancing teach very much the
same thing I'm the way OF steps but the
latter dances have. in addition. the graceful
movements of the arms which make the
dances more attractive. The steps recog-
nized by the teachers OF dancing are sub
feet 10 infinite variation, aud each teacher
and each pupil as she becomes more ad-
Vanced. works out dances OF her own. An
added pleasure which the students OF aes-
thetic dancing gain. I'm addition 10 the pleas
ure OF their own movement Is the compre-
hension OF the beautiful and intricate bal
lets which are now and then seen on the
stage. The student who understands some
thing OF the art OF dancing rs able TO fol-
low the movements of the ballet with an APP
probation and understanding before i'm
possible, and 10 recognize In the we'll
trained dancer that quality which Is called
in the msuician. technique.