Modern Dancing

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 5, Issue 1, 1 July 1926, Page 48

Modern Dancing

utes the whole contrast between two generations. In the oneenergy, drive, the monotonous rhythm of the beat. In the —subtlety, ease, variety, and some of the grace of the minuet. The one embodies the gospel of work, the other of play. ?A Word Of "Praise For Jazz ' I 'HERE are curious paradoxes in *■ modern dancing. The noise and uproar of the band contrast with the extreme gravity of the dancers ; in the last generation the merriment was among the dancers and the band was decorous and regular. More curious still is the contrast between the corybantic fervour of the music and the ease and naturalness of the steps. Closer acquaintance has modified my contempt of jazz music, and even given me a certain amount of respect for it. After all, it is not fair to compare "If You Knew Susie!" or "Maggie! Yes, Ma with the waltzes of Chopin and conclude that the rhythm of the waltz is much more subtle and refined. Only fairies could dance to the waltzes of Chopin. The fair comparison is with the modern foxtrot and with the ordinary commercial waltz of former days, and by this standard the modern music comes out best. It has inside parts, whereas the old dance writing was only a flat surface; the monotony of syncopation is less wearisome than the uniform dactyls of the commonplace waltz; and the variations on the modern syncopated rhythm that a skilful writer can introduce are piquant and fascinating.

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