New Dances.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 937, 14 February 1890, Page 4

New Dances.

Among the newer dances in America, during the summer, none has struck the popular fancy like the ‘ Berlin.’ It is bright and vivacious, easy in tempo and movement, and simple in execution. It is unique in character, having more varied forms or changes in its promenade, reverse, and waltz than any of its rivals for public favour, it was approved last winter by the older, and is now the special favourite of the younger dancers in the ball-room, while during the summer season just closed it was tho pride of the lawn party. The ‘ Berlin’ is, strictly speaking, a polka step, displaying an easy toe movement. The dancers start side by side, the gentleman holding the lad-’s left hand in his right, polka forward, and then, reversing positions, polka back aud turn. Then while in a wa’tz position the couple execute two glides, polka and-repeat. It is a very graceful dance among society people, but when copied by many young persons who are prone to flounder through everythin? in the dance order, it becomes a sort ot impromptu ballet for the onlooker. ' At most of the summer resorts the Berlin was the choice of dances duriug the past season, taking the place of the German. This was because the former was more adapted to the lawn than its formidable rival for public favour. But the German will, no doubt, continue the coming winter, as it has been for several seasons past, tho leading dance, because the American Society professors of dancing claim it is more adapted to society.