MODERN DANCING

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 22

MODERN DANCING

Questions and Answers USEFUL EXPLANATIONS

(By

“Rhythm.”)

The following “Questions and Answers” relating to various dance steps, compiled by Mr. Victor Sylvester, the famous London teacher, for “The Dancing Times.” should prove of interest tor dancers, especially those who are learn--IUQ.: For ballroom dancing should your knees be stiff, Straight, relaxed, or bent? A.: Although your/knees should appear to be straight, they should, actually, be relaxed the whole time except when you are out to the fufi extent of your stride, then the leg that you are stepping with should be straight. The supporting leg—the leg that is carrying the weight of your body—should always bo naturally relaxed, not bent; there is a vast difference. This relaxation prevents a “hard” appearance, and ensures a soft movement. Q.: What is the difference between the poise of the body for the lady as opposed to that of the gentleman? A.: The gentleman’s poise is forward, without leaning forward. His entire body, from the feet upwards, should be inclined forward ever so slightly. The lady’s poise is back, which means to say, ti’at from the hips upwards, her body is inclined backwards! very slightly. It is important to stress that the lady s poise is back from the hips upwards, not from the waist upwards. Q.: What is a step? . A.: A step refers to one single movement of the foot, such as a step forward with the r.f., a step backward with the 1.f.. etc., etc. Q.: What is a figure? A figure is) made up of a number of steps. As examples the following are a few well-known figures: the Natural Turn, the Reverse Turn, the Quarter Turn, the Reverse Wave, the Side Promenade. etc., etc. Q.: What is ai heel pivot? A.: A heel pivot is the movement that id sometimes used on the backward part of a closed turn —a chasse turn. A heel pivot is usually taken turning to the left, as for example at the finish of the Quarter Turn (the Quarter Turn to the left). The r.f. is back—the turn is commenced on the ball of tlie r.f. and continued on to the r. heel, and at the same time closing the l.f. back to the r.f. while retaining the weight on the r.f. The l.f. then moves forward. Q.; What is a toe pivot? A.: A toe pivot is exactly the same as a heel pivot, except, of course, that rhe pivot is made on the toes instead of the heel. Q.: What is an outside spin turn? A.: An outside spin is a right-handed (natural) spin turn, the gentleman beginning it by leading his partner outside as he takes a short .step diagonally back with his l.f. whilst keeping his weight on the r.f. He then spins on his r.f. as in an ordinary spin turn, etc. The lady Steps forward with her r.f. outside her partner, turning on it. and then closes ner l.f. up to her r.f. On the next step she steps forward in front of her partner with her r.f. Q.: What is the failing shown by most dancers when making a “slow” step? A.: Hurrying on it instead of giving the “slow” its full value. Should the “slow” step be a forward one, then the back foot must be kept behind until the last possible moment, although the body must be kept moving. The difference between the correct ami incorrect timing is only a fraction. of a second in space of time, but the difference to' the balance, the appearance and the “finish” is very marked. If the “eflow” step is a backward one. then the front foot must not be hurried. Cabaret and Studio. 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. 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. , 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.