REVIVAL OF FOLK DANCES

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 30, 6 February 1939, Page 12

REVIVAL OF FOLK DANCES

Definite Plans in American Schools

"Modern revival of the folk dance" is the title of an excellent article by Alice Hayden in the "Research Quarterly" ■ (published by the American Physical I Kducation Association). "Great musicians of the world to-day," •he write#, "have been affected by the modern revival of the folk dance. In fact, many of them have helped to stimulate and advance thi* movement. They have wanted to bring new material into their music, something that is different,, so they have turned to the music of the folk people. They have revived the folk music of the old masters, such as Wagner, Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms with such success that the public is always ready to hear it. Percy Grainger has probably done more for this cause than any other musician of this age. J No musical is complete withS out the playing of an old traditional ! folk song or dunce of some nation, j " The public schools of America have J been affected by the modern revival of J the folk-dance. They realise its im- ! portanc© to the needs of the child, and ! have developed it along with their physi- ! cal education programmes. So far, only ' the larger school systems have adopted a definite plan for folk-dancing in their I physical education programmes, but the smaller schools are gradually building i»p this part of their recreational programme. Appeal to Children. "All modern educators realise that the child is peculiarly responsive to the appeal made by rhythm. They also realise that folk-dancing Is a moderate and healthful form of exercise and has valuable social contact. It gives opportunity for learning by doing rather than being told how to do things. It is a great pleasure to the child to be allowed this delightful experience; at the same time lie is developing skill and bodily control. " Eliza beth Burchenal, chairman of tlie organisation committee of American Folk-Dancing, is in charge of a festival given each year by the girls of the Public School Athletic League. This festival is given at Central Park, New York City, and require* a meadow of 2d acres, 40 policemen and 200 Boy Scouta. There ia no effort to give a performance, but ten thou»and children enjoy a happy, beautiful, play-time together. The nation* of the world are represented on thi* occasion in song, danoe, costume and epirit. Many of the children dance the folk-dance* in costumes worn by them or their mothers in their native lands; *o it is easy to realise the vigour and spirit they put into this wonderful festival. Rhythmic Training. Folk-dancing is especially good for the average school-boy of the world. Boys need rhythmic training, and respond to it as readily as girls. They like l»est the clogs, Indian dances, the dances of Robin Hood. These dances are done without self-consciousness, and may be given to any group of boy*. "The development of the modern playground movement has been a great help to folk-dancing. The playground* all over the United State* have intra-

dueed folk-dancing into their programme. Like all the other organisations, they realise the value of folkdancing. and have undertaken to give to the children the best possible training along this line. The children respond l>etter than other groups when folk-dance tunes are played. The playground leaders of America are seeking instruction in folk-dancing so that it may become one of the most important activities in the national movement." '