DANCING AND MORALS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 231, 12 September 1922, Page 5

DANCING AND MORALS.

DIVERGENCE OF OPINION IN AUCKLAND. The social aspect of the modern dance has become an important consideration in view of the growing popularity of the pastime and the increase in public dance halls and cabarets. in addition to private functions, which has been so marked a feature in city life since the war (says the Auckland “Herald”). Undoubtedly the favour with which dancing is looked upon in America, and its introduction into so many functions and at all hours of the day and night, has been a factor in popularising the dance, and latterly it has generally been from United. States ‘that the latest dance music and styles have been imjorted. The grave allegations against the tendencies of the modern dance recently made in Christchurch by Dr. P. C. Fenwick hence must be taken to apply to a large proportion of the Dominion’s population. Enquiries made in Auckland go to show that there is much difference of opinion as to the merits of modern dancing and as to its effect on its devotees. Probably the weight of reasoned opinion on this matter was exprssed by a well-known medical practitioner, himself a dancer and familiar with the latest developments in the pastime. He was of opinion that there was nothing objectionable in latest styles and no justification for the sweeping statement made by Dr. Fenwick. The popular dance style of a few’ years, ago was more calculated to induce unhealthy excitement than jazzing. This statement that dance styles had improved lately on slightly degenerate predecessors, was confirmed by people who might be termed observant amateurs, as opposed to what they termed the critic who prejudged dancing as evil and socially injurious without any real knowledge of the subject which was condemned. A prominent social worker, who stated that he had gone out of his way to investigate conditions at public dances, said he had never seen anything subversive of morality, but, on the contrary, had seen much that made for happiness, healthy exercise, and pleasant social intercourse. Those who attacked the modern dance were in the same category as those who formerly condemned the waltz when it first displaced the minuet and the ••impossible” polka. The suggestion that there was anything immoral or sensuous in- the modern dance seemed to him to come from prurient minds. •Even to mention this was in itself a crime, as it merely suggested to young minds something which would probably have not otherwise found a place there.

The earnestness and sincerity with which a contrary view’ of dancing was held by other people who could be dubbed neither “cranks” nor prejudiced. was. however, unmistakable. It was considered that there were far too many dances at which there was no sort of supervision, a state of affairs which did not conduce to healthymindedness, especially among the younger and more irresponsible dancers. One person quoted the evidence given by a prominent doctor before a committee of the Board of Health during its recent sittings in Auckland. The doctor had spoken of the unfortunate results following upon the sensuous influences and lack of restraint shown in some public dance halls. While recognising that there was nothing inherently wrong in dancing, people who expressed this view were urging that reasonable supervision should be exercised, and that the chaperonage of more elders was desirable to give a leavening of responsibility at many local dances.