Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-04-01
(By MRS. NJ. f. PLAssMANN)

TN Montana. as elsewhere through
out the country, there is a differ
ence of opinion as to the benefit
or the contrary, to be derived from
dancing. Public sentiment on this
subject has modified considerably
during the past fifty years. Many of
us of advanced age were brought up
in communities where dancing and
card-playing were looked upon as
heinous sins. 1t has been interesting
60 watch the change which has been
brought about, mainly through the
determination of the younger genera
tion TO indulge in this pastime Of
dancing, sin or no sin.
Unable 10 withstand the pressure, most Of
the churches removed the ban, and II Is
possible today for a Presbyterian Ladies'
Aid 20 obtain funds for their praise
worthy enterprises, by giving parties
where the entertainment consists of both
cardplaying aud dancing.
There are but few towns comparatively
speaking. where dancing is frOwned upon,
and in the old days il was amusing to note
how the opposition to ii Succumhed 10 the
greater economic force brought to bear in
its defense. An instance in point is fur
aiShed 10y the Institutions for the feeble
minded. Here its teachers are forced to in
struct their pupils in the art Of dancing as
a means Of enabling the latter to gain con-
troll over their limbs. No matter how
prejudiced the teachers may be against
dancing, they are never known TO resign
rather than teach il.
Dancing is as old rs the race. and is
seemingly instructive. Among primitive
people. dancing is a part of religious cere-
monies, and we read of King David dancing
before the ark, when the Jews were no
longer savages.
The Catholic church, so far as l know.
has always tolerated dancing, and in this
showed It's knowledge of human needs.
The main opposition manifested against
Vhis form Of amusement today is voiced
by both women and men who are alive to
the danger of public dance halls. unless
they are under proper supervision. The
dances are also criticized. and with reason.
1t is a far cry from the stately minuet of
hy-gone days, to the present charleston. and
yet il is doubtful II the morals of the
minuet period were as high as those of to-
wrong should carefully study the subject
before forbidding their children this
pleasure.
Hundreds Of Montana women are at this
season. now opening so auspiciousiy, husily
engaged in studying the ornate catalogs
sent out by the seed companies, ard In an
ticipation are enjoying the fruits of the
time and attention they expect to give the
garden. With the women of today are their
children, engaged in the same pleasant oc-
cupation not as they did a few years ago.
when the thought of a garden was too in
timately connected with hard work-work
in which they were not interested. Then,
at the command of their elders. they hoed
and they raked, and did much back break
Ing wedding, with no special care for the
result.
The thought Of cooperation was absent
from parent and child, nor was the idea
of imparting instruction in agriculture TO
the children in the minds of the parents.
Work which is not understood is generally
looked upon as disagreeabie by young or
old, and to be shirked, if possible. by boys
in order to go fishing or swimming, if
they should be so disposed.
Now all this is changed through the in
stitution Of the All clubs, which are
teaching our young people a great deal