DANCER OF CROSSING THE KNEES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 73

DANCER OF CROSSING THE KNEES.

In this age of short skirts and pretty stockings it is absolutely necessary to take as much care of the knees as of the, face. Girls and women who always cross the same knee will find not only that their legs will get shapeless and scrawny, but that the habit may create a serious complaint. ..Many modern girls cross their knees because they are leg-con-scious and have a subconscious desire to show, their legs to the best advantage. When skirts were worn long, in what is termed those “ good old da; s,” it was considered intensely vulgar to cross tha knees, though for what reason it is difficult to say! It is, however, dangerous, unlcts we arc careful to" reverse the knee which Is cros'-M.

Most of us remember that dull, strange feeling that comes to the leg after having sat for some time with it resting over the other. When we' stand up to dancej for instance, we half-stumble and wonder why.

As a matter of fact, the one leg is, for the time being, partly paralysed. If it were possible to remove our stockings at . that identical moment we should 'ind that the one leg would be blue from venous blood which is imprisoned there and is affecting the tissues. Then, again, the reason we have a tendency to rub underneath our knees when, we stand up is because the “ crossing ”, has checked the circulation. ' We sube consciously.fr'' l that we must restore if.’

Another danger which arises from cros-" : sing the same, knee is that it may produce curvature of the spine. . Those readers who have any knowledge of physiology will thoroughly understand that this is possible. Very few women are in any way conscious of their legs while they arc walking or standing up, so why should they be when sitting? 'There is, however, such a rcstfulness in crossing the legs that I doubt if ibis a habit that will evfer be given up? The next best, thing to ensure safety, both from illness or making the legs ugly, and from disfigurement of the legs, is to cross ; the limbs turn and turn about. —LillieRoss Clyne, in an exchange, •.