MODERN DANCING

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 302, 16 September 1933, Page 21

MODERN DANCING

Two Old-time Revivals LANCERS AND THE POLKA (By “Rhythm.”) There seems to have been a general revival of old-time dances of late, and although a fair number of dancers have a good idea of how the various steps go, many are rather vague about them. Two dances that are always popular are, the Lancers and the Polka, the former being included in what are known as “set” dances, and the latter in “round” dances. The set dances are composed of four couples who face each other in a “hollow square” formation. The couple nearest the orchestra are termed the "first” or "top” couple, while those facing them are known as the “second” or “bottom” couple. Those couples to the right and left of the first couple are known as the third and fourth couple respectively. In every instance the mnn p.'.'icea himself on the left-hand side of his partner. The Lancers. Ist Figure.—First lady and opposite gentleman turn in centre. Second lady and opposite gentleman change places. Top couple leads through. Corners. 2nd Figure.:—Top and bottom couples advance and swing. Form lines. Turn partners. Sides repeat. 3rd Figure.—Ladies to the centre, gentlemen to the centre. All join hands. Circle. 4th Figure.—First couple visit right and left. sth Figure.—All couples form grand chain. First couple promenade in centre. Second couple reneat, and so on. The Folka. The Polka is a Hungarian dance, first introduced to London and Paris in 1840. First danced on the stage, the Polka soon became popular in the ballroom, and it has retained this popularity to the present day. Ready to commence. Rise on ball of right foot whilst at the same time you raise left foot behind. I.,—Dropping on to right heel, place left foot forward, knee slightly bent. 2. —Hop with left foot, right foot coming forward to replace the left. 3. —Jump on to left foot, at the same time describing a half circle. Draw right foot up close. Repeat the above movements, commencing with right foot. Cabaret and Studio.

David Devitt, who has had seven years’ theatrical experience, teaches all phases of modern and classical dancing, fencing, and specialises in tapping. Private lessons may be had by appointment. Miss Gwenethe Walshe provides personal and individual tuition in the modern danees, 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. Mr. Southern Colledge, 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 Margaret O’Connor Studio of Dancing is one of New Zealand’s leading studios of ballroom dancing. Classes nre held on Tuesdays and Fridays, and private lessons may be had by appointment. Special tuition in the rumba and charlestep is provided. 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. _____