New-York tribune., 1919-08-27
Dancing Masters
Call for Civic
Control of Steps
Fifty Cities Have Asked
for Some Definite Meas
ure of Reform, They Say;
National School Urged

The reform movement inau0urated
by the American National Association
Of Masters of Dancing and the Amer
ican Society Of Professors of Dancing
in convention at the Hotel Astor. is
taking detirite shape Resolutions are
being drawn up, it was announced yes
terday. calling for drastic civic ordi-
nnnces for the strcter control of dance
halls and the abolition Of "shimmying"
and extreme jazz music.
A special committee is working out
standardized positions and tcmpos, and
the results will be published for dis
trihuton throughout the country. Fifty
cities have asked for some definite
measure of reform, both in the style of
, dancing and the character Of the
music.
The establishment of h national
school of dancing is under co1sidera-
ton. The first intimaton of this was
given by Nose Christensen in the
course of an address last night on the
relationship between dancing and mu-
sic. he pointed out that the two arts
were inseparable and that if America
was to have better standard of dane
ing 1t was essential that national
dance music be improved
I'VE do not need to concentrate en-
tirely on classical music" nc declared,
cheap. silly, trashy music which is
largely responsible for vulgar dancing
The cowbells and noise of some of
the Jazz arc enough to offend any re-
tined ear and are largely responsible
tor the ugly jumping around that is
insulting to ones intelligence. A lit
tie more of Grieg and Strauss would
be a good thing.
I'VE hope soon to see the estab-
'lshment of q national school of
dancing. am satisfied that many
times the amount of money necessary
to support such an organization is
palities on the art of dancing. Every
civilized country in the world has a
rational school except America. If we
had it here all branches Of the art
would be standardized"
Mr.. Christensen said that after
three months survey of the New York
theatres he had come to the conclu-
sion that the actors and actresses
could neither sing nor dance. and that
II people were better educated mu-
sically they would not stand for the
Sol ol 'ninG tnaV passed Tor art on
Broadway
The phonograph also came in for
some criticism at the hands Of the
speaker. He said committee had been
appointed to consult with the phono-
graph companies about standardizing
their tempo. At present tho measures
vary and the phrasing is uneven. with
the result that correct dancing to the
music is almost out of the question.
At the same time he advocated inior.
mai dancing in the homo to mechan-
cal music. and said that the art should
be fostered and encouraged nov more
Than ever before, as Americans did not
have enough exercise and this could be
made the ideal recreation.
The very newest dance, sponsored and
approved by the dancing masters. is to
be demonstrated before the convention
closes. 1t has distinctly military
flavor from its title, "The Internal
tionale." Here's how to do it:
Take two steps forward, then three
oulck balancing stcps-left foot to the
right, right foot to the left and left
to the right.
Now step to the right side with the
right foot and click the heels together
that is army "taps"
Repeat the same to the left side
that is navy "taps.' Then two steps,
military IN effect, to the right angle
forward-that is the military dash of
France.
Put in a few recognized variations
and you have the lnternationale