MODERN DANCING

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 290, 2 September 1933, Page 15

MODERN DANCING

Ballroom Steps and Modes

STYLES IN THE WALTZ

(By

“Rhythm.”)

“Crush” dancing, which was referred to in this column last week, can be applied to the various standard ballroom dances. In the quickstep, which is the most important from a crush point of view, the ?uarter turns should be used as a basis or building up the dance. The chasses should be made “open.” The standard natural and reverse turns should not lie used, as they are not adaptable for this type of dancing. There is a special natural and reverse turn. Side-steps are introduced fairly frequently. ~ . In the waltz, simple hesitations are used with great frequency. In the slow foxtrot, the whole character of the dance has to be changed. Three-steps are entirely eliminated, and chasses are used in place of them. In fact, the slow foxtrot becomes blues, or a form of blues. About the Waltz. There are many persons whp seem to imagine that because slow music is played for the modern waltz they should drag themselves around the floor after the manner of someone who has “nothing to do and all day to do it in.” That is quite wrong. Life and movement should, be put into the waltz. The modern waltz consists, to a very large extent, of turns. Perfect poise, balance, body sway and free movement are therefore essential. Constant practise of the steps is, of course, necessary. Do , not just dance, but rather throw yourself into it, for, although slow music is used, you must cover plenty of ground in long, gliding steps.

Cabaret and Studio. The Margaret O’Connor Studio of Dancing is one of New Zealand’s leading studios of ballroom dancing. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Fridays, and private lessons may be had by appointment Special tuition in the rumba and charlestep is provided. Mr. Southern Cqlledge, one of the city’s foremost dancing teachers, undertakes to teach the latest dances, either at his up-to-date studio or in one’s own home. Classes are held in the studio, where private tuition is also available each day. The Majestic Lounge and Cabaret offers excellent entertainment for dancers every afternoon and evening, when Tommy Stratton’s Dance Band plays the latest dance hits, and specialty features are presented. , David Devitt, who has had seven years theatrical experience, teaches all phases of modern and classical .dancing,j fencing, and specialises in tapping. Private lessons mav be had by appointment. Miss Gwenethe Walshe provides personal and individual 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, and the advanced on Tuesday.