MODERN DANCING

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 218, 10 June 1933, Page 2

MODERN DANCING

Preservation of Balance

FACTOR OF IMPORTANCE

(By

“Rhythm.”

To be a really good dancer, it is necessary to have, perhaps more than anything else, perfect balance. “Balance," writes an English teacher, “is obtained aud preserved better xvhen motion is accurate ; when steps are completely known and the phases of body balance realised a fraction of a second before action; and when the gaze is on a distant rather than a near point. Moving lights or bright reflectors sometimes interrupt balance ; and strong drugs, excessive smoking., and, of course, alcohol, rapidly infringe upon this delicate power; while too long a period of fasting before work may also cause giddiness. “Within the ear is that mysterious trilineal canal which has t.hc dual function of bearing and balance. It senses direction in sound and feels balance relative to the earth. Along with the eye it has subtle connections with the solar plexus (evident in sickness) and its delicate clectro-magnctic field interacts, like a compass, with the magnetic field of the earth or a ship or even an aeroplane. Catarrh disturbs it; so dot's vibration when travelling: or even a heavy organ note may affect it; while rapid change in

humidity and of air pressure influences it. Even to watch a film of heaving sen upsets some people; and many dance students momentarily lose control in the pirouette; as others do even in a waltz. Only gradual, persistent exercise will accustom the organ to varied motion.” Cabaret and Studio. The Mayfair Cabaret: continues to be one of the most popular rendezvous: at which to spend the evening. There will be further diverting entertainment this evening, xvlien Jack Thompson, and ths famous Higbbattcrs’ Band will provhle enjoyable music and high-class novelties will enliven the programme. Miss Gwenetbc Walsh provides personal and iuvididual tuition in the modern dances, including the rumba, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Evening classes are held twice weekly, the beginners’ class being on Friday, aud the advanced on Tuesday. The Majestic Lounge and Cabaret offers excellent entertainment for dancers every afternoon and evening, when ths popular Majestic Dance Band, plays the latest dance hits, and speciality features, are presented. Southern Colledge undertakes to teach quickly any dance, desired. Classes are held twice a week, and private tuition i« available daily. The Margaret O'Connor Studio ,ot Dancing is one of New Zealand's leading studios of ballroom dancing. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Fridays, and private lessons may be bad by appointment. Special tuition in the rumba ami charletnep is provided. David Devitt, who has had seven yiars theatrical experience, teaches all phases of modern and classical dancing,, fencing, and specialises in tapping. Private lessons may be had by appointment. “The Brown Owl,” the popular cabaretroadhouse, just past Maori Bank, caters for dances every Saturday night, and m open at all hours during the week, and on Sundays for lunches, afternoon teas, and dinners.. Special consideration given to parties.