Evening star., 1943-11-07

slvely with Mrs. Peter Van Brook Liv-
ingston and Mrs. Alexander Hamilton
and afterward danced minuet with
Miss Van Zandt, and it is said there was
dignity and grace in every movement of
the incompatible man."
The ball, the preparations for which
were made by the dancing assemblies
of New York, was attended by many of
the most distinguished people of that
time. and included, in addition to Gen.
Washington, the Vice President and
most of the members of both branches
of Congress.
In all. there were more than 300 in
attendance, and the Baron Steuben, we'll
educated, bred in a German court, and
dressed in rich black silk velvet, was
said to be among the gayest and most
courteous of the cavaliers.
There were few jewels then worn in
the United States, but some of the cos
tunes were gorgeous and expensive.
One dress, in particular, was plain
celestial blue satin gown with a white
satin petticoat. On the neck was worn
a very large Italian gauze handkerchief
with border stripes of satin. The head
dress was pouf of gauze, in the form
of a globe, the headpiece of which was
composed of white satin, having double
wing in large plaits and trimmed with
wreath of artificial roses. Another beau
tiful dress was made of gay Italian
taffeta
-1o hoi,. on n
tached curls, four of which, in two ranks,
fell on each side of the neck.
Apparently these costumes contained
more fabric than the one worn by Nine.
Bonaparte in 1904 at the select party
in this city given her by Mrs Robert
Smith, when almost riot ensued, so
great was the crowd to get glimpse of
this famous Baltimore belle.
The costumes of the gentlemen for the
first Presidents inaugural ball were set
by Col. Humphries and Col. William S.
Smith, who were selected to adjust the
ceremonies, and prescribed that the hair
should be dressed with two long curls
on the sides, with powder, of course,
and all were to appear and dance with
small swords Each gentleman on TAX
ing partner to dance, was to lead her
to the foot of the sofa upon which the
President sat. make low obeisance,
and repeat this ceremony of respect be-
fore taking their seats after the figure
was concluded.
Minuet and Waltz
AS to the minuet, according to George
Washington Parke Gusts, grandson of
Martha Washington, it began to decline
after the Revolution, and that The
Commander in Chief danced, for his last
time, minuet in 1871 at the peace ball
given in Fredericksburg in honor of the
French and American officers on their
return from the triumphs of York Town.
The last birthnight attended by the
venerable Chief was in Alexandria, 22d
February, 1898. Indeed, he always ap-
peared greatly to enjoy the gay and fes-
tive scene exhibited at the birthnight
balls, and usually to remain to late
hour; for, remarkable as he was for re-
serve, and the dignified gravity insep-
arabic from his nature, Washington ever
looked with most kind and favoring eye
upon the rational and elegant pleasures
of life"
So far as known, the waltz was not
introduced into America prior to 1926,
and it is quite probable that it remained
for Baron Stakelberg, the Swedish
Charge dAfaires to this country, first
to bring it out, during that year. at
Carusis Salon. This building first
known as the Washington Theater, was
destroyed by fire on April 19, 1920; re-
built by Lewis Tor Louis Carusi, and
opened as the Washington City Assem-
bly, Rooms in 1922, when the baron was
serving as diplomat in this city, and
continued to do so for some years after
ward
Just when the waltz was originated,
and where, would be difficult question
to answer. One writer consulted says:
'Waltzing is a species of dancing that
owes its origin to the Germans, having
been first introduced in Swabia, one of
the nine circles of Germany; and from
its introduction into the neighboring
provinces, and thence throughout the
European continent, its original manner
has been greatly improved
Another tells us it is of Bohemian