Beauty & Poise

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 4, Issue 11, 1 May 1926, Page 33

Beauty & Poise

IT is often a matter for wonder to the unprejudiced. observer that the charm of poise is so often neglected by modern women. The art of deportment is a lost one. There is an attraction about a woman with a perfeet carriage that is missing in the girls who lounge, slouch, sprawl, put their elbows; on the table, and otherwise endeavour to disguise any natural grace which they may possess. Restfulness is a trait that seems to have died out altogether in this rushing, hustling age. Dignity is a thing of .the past, and nearly every woman you meet is afflicted with a fidgetiness and nervousness that gives rise to all sorts of irritating mannerisms. Continually we meet women who completely spoil whatever charms they possess by irritating little mannerisms. In most cases these mannerisms have so grown upon their owners that they themselves are not conscious of them; but we have also

met women who have deliberately cultivated a certain mannerism under the mistaken impression that it was attractive. For instance, there is the affected " flapper " who has rather fine eyes, and when she is talking she keeps blinking her eyelids very rapidly. She thinks this is ravishing, but to most people it looks extremely silly, and it makes one feel quite embarrassed, as all affectation does. But it is of the hundred and one little tricks of movement performed unconsciously which so irritate the onlooker that I propose writing about. TWIDDLING with things on the table is one of them. This is a very common trick, and nothing is more calculated to irritate the beholder. There are women who are constantly putting their hair straight, often when it does not in the least need attention, and others who take out their mirrors and powder-puffs every five minutes to remove imaginary shine from their noses.

Others, again, seem to be always fingering their faces, stroking their noses, smoothing their eyebrows, or pinching their chins, Foot-tapping is another irritating habit. Often people with sensitive nerves are worked nearly to a state of hysteria through the tap-tap-tap-ping of some person's foot behind them at a theatre or concert, Fidgeting with jewellery, especially necklaces, is another favourite little trick of hundreds of women, who should make themselves go without wearing a single ornament of any kind for six months to break themselves of the habit, Continual and unnecessary coughing and throat-clearing are two more habits calculated to send the companion of the one who indulges in them nearly crazy, especially at a place of entertainment, where absolute quiet is necessary for the enjoyment of all. Generally speaking, we think these irritating mannerisms are the

outcome of nervousness, but nervousness of this kind must be overcome by the woman who wishes to be attractive. TJEAUTY must essentially be restful, whether it be expressed by a human being or by scenery or by art of any kind. A woman can be vivacious without being disturbing; but the most beautiful woman, if she is constantly fidgeting and making unnecessary movements, gives no time or opportunity for others to take in the perfection of her features or the charm of her expression. Study yourself carefully and see how many small and unnecessary actions have become habitual to you, and proceed to cure yourself of them. You will probably be quite surprised at the number of mannerisms you possess— is, if you really criticise yourselves thoroughly. Every woman would do well to ponder over these things. There is a charm about the dignified, restful, i

unfidgety woman which is totally lacking in the foolish girls who think that noisiness and grimacing constitute "vivacity." Now, vivacity is a good thing and charming in its way, but a woman who " lives at the top of her voice" very quickly has a tiring effect. TT is all very well to have a mobile and expressive face, but constant grimacing brings wrinkles more quickly than almost anything else. The premature lines on the face of the comedian may be taken as an example of what is meant. We may learn another lesson from the stage when we notice how the most beautiful and admired actresses have mastered the art of keeping still. This

is one of the most difficult things to learn, either on or off the stage. It should not be difficult, with a little patience and self-control, to acquire both grace of motion and poise. The constant admonitions to " Sit up straight" which one hears addressed to children, arc the beginning of this kind of wisdom. The head is placed upon the spinal column, so let the brain govern the backbone. Slovenly and lopsided ways of lounging and sprawling will not only produce an awkward and ungainly carriage, but may actually cause malformations. More, the normal functions may be seriously interfered with. In a stooping posture, the spine is bent and the

chest narrowed, while the internal cavity, containing vital organs, is constricted. It will hardly be necessary to point out the very serious consequences which may ensue from carelessness or laziness in regard to posture. There are other evil results of indolent attitudes; and one authority has gone so far as to say: "A /f ANY of the cases of so-called ~*~ ' nervous prostration" are to be traced not simply to the work and worry to which the individual may be subjected, but to the waste of energy which must result from the imperfect way in which the body is used, and the interference with the circulation in the spinal cord and the consequent weakness of the nerve-power

which necessarily results. In other words, it is not the load which breaks the bearer down, but the way in which the load is carried. Our bodies were given us for use, and they were intended for hard use, and they are capable of withstanding the strain of hard use, provided that they are used so that the different parts are spared unnecessary strain and undue waste of energy." What, then, arc women to do that they may maintain corrcctitude of attitude? Above all, a woman should watch her own movements, and pull herself up directly she seems inclined to fall into slovenly postures.