INDIA'S “DEVI DANCE”

Evening Star, Issue 19840, 13 April 1928, Page 8

INDIA'S “DEVI DANCE”

FOLLOWS “LAMA BLUES,” , One more dance, with different music and time, has come from India, following the “lama blues,” reported recently. It is tho “ devi dance.” Finding that the vcwue in ballroom dancing is to try and get inspiration from the folk dancing in various parts of the world, some Indian dancing experts have visited several parts of India. In Gujerath, Western India, the ladies take a prominent part in dancing what is called the “ garbha dance.” The mode or raga of the dance is Sorath, named after Sourashtra, the old name for Kathiawar. Tho adaption to ballroom dancing was difficult, but it has been achieved. It was at first a sequence dance, of the type, as far as Indian dancing can be compared to European dancing, of the minuet or polka. But that is not in fashion in this day of non-sequence dancing. Tho time is quicker than a valse, which it resembles ii its three-three beat, but slower than a fox trot, coming very near tho “blues” but for its time. , . .. , The “ devi dance is a combination of the valse and the blues. Whereas in the valse tho fundamental point is the circular motion, in the "devi dance ’ there are continuous forward movements. Unlike the fox trot, however, it has a lilt and a swaying rhythm. Like the side steps of the tango, the man glides his right foot across his left, brings, as in the valse, the left foot close to the right, and advances in a similar tango cross-step, but with his left foot first to the right, brings his right foot close, and swings again quarter to left. It keeps the three-three beat, is a delightful combination of al'. the three best ballroom dances, and is very catchy in its Jilt and swing. It can be easily learned, and is suitable to a crowded floor.