Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-12-30

Washington, D. c., Dec, Pinot
long ago, a program of various types
Of classic Greek art was being planned
in one Of our cities, and local Greek
talent was hunted out to play the
parts. Greeks who could perform in
dramatic and musical numbers were
not hard to find: But then came the
question Of dancing,
There vas to be a dance given IN
the classic manner by real Greek
maidens, who might be the direct de-
scendants Of the bacchantes and cere-
monial dancers of old Athens and
the producers set u ingenuously to
collect the Greek dancers Of the city.
They returned stepped in gloom.
There were no Greek maidens who
could do the ancient dances. So the
Greek dance>had to be left to young
Americans with names reminiscent Of
ancestors from England, Wales,
France, Denmark and Germany.
This incident has attracted atten-
ton to the fact that the recent en-
thusiasm for Greek dancing has
scarcely touched Greece. The classic
manner Of dancing has been adopted
of late years by dancers of America
and almost every country of Europe.
But no outstanding opponents Of the
art have come from the original home
Of the classic dance.
A. Greek was asked why the girls
oe his country have not been swept
along the revival of their celebrated
art.
1T Is not easy to say" he answer
ed. "r believe. the young girls in the
schools have felt that the Greek
dancers-they wear-you know they
wear not so much clothing-and the
girls have not wished to wear the old
costumes. But that is not. perhaps,
SO true now" he added. II know Isa-
dora Duncan had some Greek pupils
when she was In my country, and
there are no doub: a few girls there
who are interested in the classic
dance"
This modern Greek man conveyed
the impression, however, that the
modern Greek maiden would still be
a bit shocked to think of herself in
Of statues wearing a thin layer of
drapery. and that none too securely
arranged. seemed to flash before the
eyes Of the very completely dressed
young Greek OF the drawing room.
Isadora Dunca1's latest appear.
anoes in flowing and disappearing
drapery would seem to support this
young mans idea that Inadequate cos
tunes r a necessary part Of the
classic dance. Miss Duncan Is one
Of the leaders in the revival Of classic
dancing and her example has far
reaching results among other patural-
istlc dancers.
But some dancers OF the classic
school boldly disagree with Miss Dun
cans point OF view. They explain
that while the ancient Greeks danced
lin filiny garments or even in no gar
lnents at all, no one was shocked by
their appearances. The minds OF the
people were adjusted to a ,difreren,
set OF conventions from those obtain.
ms today. Perfection of the human
body was % casually admired Their
hs a beautiful face is now.
These dancers say that while the
sense Of freedom gained from wear.
ing light ,drapery Is desirable IN dane.
ing, some concessions should be made
to- custom. Too abbreviated or dia,
lphanous a costume, even IL worn will
the. interest OF the modern audienc,
at the expense OF, the dance itself! In,
stead otScostuine. dancer. setting, mu,
sic, and steps blending harmoniotiy4y
the clothing OF the performer becomes
a. distraction. To the Greek audi
hence this would not have been 80, tbu
the modern dancer cannot expect t,
overthrow in an afternoon the tradi
tons Of his time. 70 the conscrva
tives argue, and their point Of vley
IS worthy OF notice, since 1t rarel,
gets much attention.
But after all. the costume shout,
mot be the most important point ii
1.-THE presentation of q classic dance
fIIt nouna q IA Il no IA Il uf 4nV NAkA III - 49,