FOX-TROT CONDEMNED

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 30, 4 August 1923, Page 14

FOX-TROT CONDEMNED

DANCING MASTERS IN REVOLT.

The chief impression to be gained from the proceedings at the International Congress of Dancing Masters, which met in Fans recently, is that a reaction is setring in against those dances of American origin which have had so long an innings states the Parisian correspondent of the ''Daily Telegraph." There is a growing feeling among the experts that the time has arrived when, if a return to the old-time stately movements is out of the question, there should at least be evolved something more in consonance with French ideals and temperament. One of the leaders in the revolt against the fox-trot, one-step, Java, and tango is Mile. Henriette Eegnier, of the Opera, who has given before the congress demonstrations of four new dances, composed by herself with the" musical collaboration of M. Paul Vidal—theariette, caryatis. francescas, and mazoure. . The innumerable army of worshippers at the shrine of Terpsichore will no doubt like to have some indication of the nature of these novelties, which, following the minute scrutiny of learned maitres de danse, may possibly replace to some extent evolutions which have held sway for so long. The ariette is partly an adaptation of the one-step, but there is more gaiety and vivacity in it, Mile. Regnier being of opinion that the present onestep is a somewhat mournful affair, the partners in which often give one the impression, that they are assisting at a funeial. The caryatis has quite a different character; it is harmonious and artistic, and its_ rhythm is that of a slow waltz lnere is a sentiment of romance about the francescas which may be described as a waltz with a great deal of "go" in it. Then the mazoure recalls the old mazurka primed of some of its old-time characteristics These dan,ces excited much favourable comment from the congress delegates, a large proportion of whom have during the sittings indulged n some critical remarks about the eccen'S ? f the mode™ ballroom and are anxious to see a return to the graceful movements of former days. Other new bvT E^fed tadude Scottish Blues, by ar. Alberto d. Francia, the points of m.frH-o"* 1 T a- re assured- distinction, piecifcion and science; evolution, which ls t. h6, v£™ nt of t!'e hesitation waltz presented by M . Schwartz, of the Or£l, a \Ta tanf\ of an impeccable type by Madame Lefort; "Blues," reminiscent of the dummy" ; and Schottische EspagflSrf'') *' as may Well be believed?!* full of variety. On,the whole it is to be gathered from the discussions of the congress that there is a widespread impression, that the waltz in one form or another is likely to regain its former popularity very shortly.