The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29
CALL FOR MORE
 CIVIC CONTROL
 IN DANCING Fifty Cities Have Asked for Some Definite Measure of Reform.
NATIONAL SCHOOL
 IS NOW URGED
Would Introduce "The In ternationale," Newest
 Military Dance.

The reform movement inaugurated by the American National Association of Masters of Dancing and the Amer ican Society of Professors of Dancing, in convention at the Hotel As,or, rs taking definite shape. Resolutions are being drawn up, it was announced yes terday, calling for drastic civic ordi- nances for the stricter control of all dance halls and the abolition of ''shi- mying'' and extreme jazz music.
 A special committee is working out standardized positions and tempos. and the results will be published for distribution throughout the country. Fifty cities have asked for some defi- nite measure of reform, both in the style of dancing and the character of the music.
 The establishment of a national school of dancing is under considera- ton. The first intimation 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 a better standard of danc- ing it was necessary that national dance music be improved.
 We do not need to concen rate en- tirely on classical music" he declar- ed, but we must get away from the cheap, silly trashy music which s largely responsible for vulgar canc1ng The cowbells and noise of some of the jazz bands are enough to offend any refined ear and are largely responsi- ble for the ugly, jumping around that is insulting to ones intelligence. A little nf Cr-ipU and Strancs z be a good thing
 'We soon hope to get behind the establishment of a national school of dancing. I am satisfied that many times the amount of money necessary to support such an organization is now being spent by separate munich palities on the art of dancing. Every civilized country in the world has 3 national school except America. If we had it here all branches of the art would be standardized"
 Mir. Christensen said that after a 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 if people were better educated mu- sically they would not stand for the sort of thing that passed for art on Broadway.
 The photograph also came in for some criticism at the hands of the speaker. He said a committee had been appointed to consult with the phonograph companies about stand ardizing their tempo. At present the 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 ad- vocated informal dancing in the home to mechanical music, and said that | the art should be fostered and en- couraged now more than ever before, as Americans did not have enough ex- ercise 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 con- vention closes. It has a distinctly mil | itary flavor from its title, '"The In- | ternationale." Here's how to do it: Take two steps forward, then three quick balancing steps-left foot to the right, right foot to the left and l 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 i 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 Internationale.
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