Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-12
DELIGHT OF DANCE
NOT CONFINED TO
FASHIONS REALM
Recreation Centres Scenes Of
Joy for Thousands Who
Give Less Thought to
Clothes Than to Art.

a lame duck or n canter for Christmas
sounds ridiculous, Of course, any way yon
take It, even when modern dances are
considered. The fact is that the mention
Of tango, a lulu fado, the fox trot, and
other steps bring to mind visions Of sweet
debutantes, bare shoulders. flashing
gowns and jewels Of society matrons, and
men in evening attire. But the fact re-
mains that many OF the most enthusiastic
dancers in the city don't own dress
suit, never have owned one. and maay
no doubt. never will.
The recreation centres where the city
conducts free dancing classes are
crowded to overnowlng by thousands OF
ardent dancers, both old and young, all
enthusiastic to learn the latest steps Of
the latest dances.
Some are rough some are uncouth per-
haps clean collars and white gloves are
not essential; they do not have to bother
about social etiquette or fancy suppers-
they dance because they really like It,
The Christmas idea is truer than one
would at first suppose, as many OF the
city's poor who dance In the recreation
centres may not be able TO afford much
else. Dancing there Is their only luxury
perhaps, and that costs them nothing.
To watch the six public dance halls Is,
indeed an interesting sight. 1t is even
inspiring to watch the many couples, who
under proper supervision, use every ef-
fort to become efficient in the latest
steps. They learn the fox trot, maNiNe
and any other dances, old or new, that
are considered within the bounds or pro-
prlety by the censors
Some OF the pupils have reached high
state of efficiency, but even among the
beginners there is no hanging back. All
who attend seem to have the dancing
"craZe" so to speak, and are determined
to learn
Starr Garden Park. at 7th and Lombard
streets, is undoubtedly the most crowded
centre. There dancing classes are held
nightly for both those who wish to learn
to dance and for those who know how.
Afternoon classes have been arranged
where children under IA are taught the
preliminary steps. and the more adept
pupils ara taught fancy and folk dancing
Although thousands attend these dances
monthly. the number would be largely
increased if the Board OF Recreation had
more time and space to devote to the
dancing art. Many are turned away
because the teachers realize that large
crowd, or a crowd that is too large,
would spoil the class for all concerned.
At Happy Hollow, on Wayne avenue,
above Wyoming street, there is only one
gymnasium for the men and women's
classes and the dancing, The result is
that the dancing has to make way for
the physical education, much to the sor-
row of the dance enthusiasts. The room
is too small for large dances. An at
tempt was made to hold dance there
after the Thanksgiving party. More than
300 attended, but the idea had TO be aban-
doned as the floor was too crowded.
Athletic Recreation Park, at 26th and
Master streets, probably has the best
facilities In the city, having two large
gymnasiums, a dancing floor and audi
torlum. Glasses are held every evening,
and these are divided into sections. After
being a member of the beginners class
the pupils are advanced to the interme-
dlate class. They are then promoted TO
the advanced class, which meets only once
a week.