The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-22
SO-CALLED JAZZ

in unison and more complicated dance motions by people together as the minds of men grew more complex and their appreciation became more developed, the niceties of true music took fuller possession of them, and in the same way more elaborate and mere refined figures were developed In dance movements, and so music and dancing grew and developed to- gether, on and on until the present day, when music has attained the richness and perfection of symphony and dancing has become an elite fea- ture of most advanced society. En- joynent of social functions more often depended upon the aesthetic quality of the music and the grace of the dancers than upon the clever ness of the hostess or the congen- iality of the guest. Truths like these bear home to each of us duty to learn as much of music and danc- ing as we may be able, and also as Q duty to give to young people about us the best training In both, because 1t Is only by study and practice that Cuired in any art.
 The Origin of Dancing
 Dancing has always been one of the favorite arts of mankind. Music motion, melody and rhythm have all ways fascinated him. Stories writ ten upon stone characters and pie lures telling of prehistoric days prove that dancing has always ap- pealed to men and women instinc- lively for the expression of joy. grief, anger. disappointment and triumph. As men advanced in civil ization particular strains of music and particular classes of motions were separated for the expression of particular moods. Religious festivals came to be beautified and intensified by music and dancing.
 Preparations for war were stimu- lated by martial music and the more accelerated dance movements. Men of all kinds from native Indians to the Arcadans in olden days found an outlet for intensified feelings in music, motion and rhythm; and SO 1t Is with us today. Personal grace and refinement run naturally with music and dancing, and more so now than ever, for in these days refined danc- ing Is a leading feature of refined social entertainment and enjoyment. The waltz Is undoubtedly the most artistic and beautiful of all modern dancing movements. just as music for waltzes Is the most beautiful or music for dancing purposes; but va ricty Is the spice of life. so there must be other dances to avert weari- some repetition. For that purpose lust now the fox trot and one step are the most popular. but they must be constantly changed and devei- oped to perpetoate relish for them. That is why new steps and new movements and new music foiloW one upon the other so swiftly, eacn being it's own new fascination. Just now the jazz, pleasing syncopation' not hard to learn nor hard to do, IS having its day, while for those Tn clined to venture into things oit more difficult, there are pleasing variations of the fox trot, including "outer" and timer edge" and the figure eight" adapted from the art of skating.
 Then there are pleasant variations of the one step, such as the spiral and the wing step." both of which are simple yet piquant But aiter all, the waltz, and especially the modern waltz. still holds It's own against al others and seems ikeiy to do so far into the future. It ever lends itself so delightfully."- to simple, refined developments without loss or dignity, and 1t plainly reflects the individual ability of the dance: IL is not the number of steps one knows that distinguishes the artistic cancer from the one who Is commonplace, ., but rather the degree or grace anu perfection shown in each step taken alone and In all combined; and 1t IS always true that the best of beauty and grace and refinement are use less without good. clean, refined music.