The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-19

Tn social dancing there has been a re- vival of some of the old dances, such as the -Varsovianna, schottische, in various forms; polka, mazurka and a number of others that were danced by our-grand- mothers" was the reply. The Spanish is also very popular. It Is danced in many different combinations and is one of the prettiest of ballroom dances. There are innumerable two, three, four and i've step dances Then there is the new French waltz. L'Hirondelle or Swallow waltz, said to be the latest sensation epf Paris. It is undoubtedly beautiful, but somewhat difficult for beginners In the east quite a number dance the Boston. but this I consider a very poor substi- tute for the waltz The barn is still popular with those that like something strenuous. They are also endeavoring to revive some of the old costra dances of colonial times, such as Money Musk, La Tempete, Minuet and others These dances, especially the minuet, have a traditional reputation for grace Undoubtedly the practice of the slower movements re- fines and elevates the taste as well as makes one graceful"
 And for tho children I suppose you have many new features?" I asked, re- calling the graceful dances that were seen at the Charity Ball last spring, which Mir. Miles taught many of the prettiest and most attractive children in town.
 "Yes, indeed" came the quick response. "The children's dances are rich in va- riety and beauty One seldom sees the told time hornpipe or reel. These have been superseded by the national and folk dances. These dances are rapidly coming into vogue in the highest social circles. and are receiving the ardent support of leaders in educational work. I recently saw 2500 school girls give festival of folk dancing at Van Cortland park in New York city and it was a wonderful and inspiring sight. The fete was ar ranged under the auspices of the girls branch of the Public Schools Athletic league. These dances can be made sim pie or difficult and present a novel and effective means of physical training. The best kind are those that bring into action the muscles of the entire body. such as the Russian. Hungarian, Polish and the Swedish dances. Dr. Luther H. Gulick, president of the American Playground association, claims that dancing Is the best possible exercise for girls and wom- CD. Dr. Guliclt says: I have four daugh- ters, and had rather have them grace full dancers than the best basketball play CTS in the world One of the first dances that children should be taught is the minuet With them, the effort to move gracefully produces a desire also to be gracious in manner; and this Is one of the best influences of a dancing school. To secure the greatest benefit children should begin lessons at an early age; some authorities say not later than five years"
 And as to fancy dancing. I suppose pantomime and aerial dancing have suc- planted all others, the latter having to come, when everything else. including
 navigation, is going up in the airr' facetiously inquired.
 That is entirely spectacular said MT.
 Miles "But pantomime is the very latest craze. My instructor. MT. Chalif. who commands as high as $1o lesson for his work, says:
 "To be a good dancer one must under stand pantomime. Pantomime Is an out ward and mute expression of emotions,
 passions. ideas and intentions of the mind. sustained by music, which serves as an
 explanatory voice The ideas are ex-
 pr esed by gesture and facial expression. which, with the combination of appro- pr1ate music produces an extraordinary effect upon the mind and feelings of the spectators Dancing and pantomime form beautiful combination and is rapidly coming into favor. This summer at the theatres in New York there were no less than half dozen pantomine dancing acts at one time Mile. Dazie at the Fifth Avenue presented a pantomime in two scenes and with appropriate music, in which she was assisted by company of eight Gertrude Hoffman at Hammer stein's in Mendelssohn's Spring Song also had a large company. Then at the Amer ican Music Hall the great Spanish dancer. Rosario Guerrero is a one-act pantom1mc