SIMPLE PRINCIPLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 22

SIMPLE PRINCIPLES

DANCES FOR YOUNG NAZIS SOME FORMS CONDEMNED [from OUlt OWN CO It hks ton dknt] LONDON. April 23 Although jazz and other forms of negro music have long lain under the displeasure of the National-Socialist authorities in Germany, the regime has not yet succeeded in evolving a typically German style of dancing to conform to the Weltanschauung and tlio cultural spirit of the Third Reich. An article which appears in Die Spielschar, an organ of the Hitler Youth, indicates that the authorities are not well pleased with the condition of dancing in Germany, and certain "simple principles" arc laid down which will form'the basis of a unification of the German dance.

The writer states regretfully that "for those who seek a way to graceful and natural German dancing the points of departure in the immediate past are terrifyinglv few. To go through the motions prescribed by "swing" is described as unworthy of a man unless he is in upstate of intoxication. To attempt to introduce peasant dances into the cities of Germany is said, however, to be equally foolish. In future, therefore, three distinct types of dancing will be separately considered.

The first classification contains "general German dances," such as the waltz, the slow waltz, the march waltz, and the Rheinlander. The cultivation of these dances throughout the Reich is particularly recommended. The second group includes dances strongly identified with the countryside and with traditional folk tunes. The third, as something of a concession, contains certain dances of international renown, lest German performers be unable to tako part in international festivities when called upon to do so.

At present these suggestions apply only to tho Hitler Youth —and presumably also to the League of German Maidens.