Part 28

There are large and satisfactory rental establishments in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and others of our prominent cities where costumes can be rented for almost any character of show, in single garments or for a complete production. In the east, among the best are Brooks or Eaves, of New York, and Van Horn of Philadelphia.

In the wardrobe department of the Ned Wayburn Studios there is carried a varied line of up-to-date costumes well over a hundred thousand dollars in actual cash value. There is one set of twelve dancing costumes there alone worth $4800.00, or approximately $400.00 per costume. Any of my stock of costumes is available on a rental basis for amateur shows when my organization is employed to stage the productions, and an expert wardrobe mistress goes along with the outfit to insure proper adjustment and fitting of all the costumes to their wearers.

The complete costume when rented from any concern includes headdress, bloomers and parasols (if the character calls for them), besides the gown or costume proper, but never includes wigs, shoes, stockings or tights, which must be purchased outright.

In our studio work and during the rehearsal period on the stage we recommend the Ned Wayburn rompers as a form of practice dress best suited for ladies' use, except in our foundation technique and acrobatic dancing classes, in both of which the bathing suit is given the preference.

DANCING TEMPOS

One must possess an inherent sense of rhythm in order to become a successful stage dancer. To be able to walk or dance to music in perfect time, and find enjoyment in doing it, is one of the first essentials. I can tell by the way a person walks across the floor when an orchestra or any musical instrument is rendering a sprightly bit of dance music, whether or not the walker has the dancing sense that is so necessary to perfection in the art.

In dancing, the term "rhythm" refers to the coincidence of movement and music, and is the symmetrical regulation of time and the periodical repetition of the same arrangement. The measure of speed in music and dancing is designated as "tempo." It is the "time" in which a musical composition is written, and is shown upon the "staff" by figures. Of the many kinds of dance measures, the most common are what are known as 2-4, 3-4, 4-4, and 6-8.

John Philip Sousa

Used by Permission of The John Church Company, Owner of the Copyright]

GEO. M. COHAN.

Copyright by Leo Feist, Inc., Used by Special Permission]

Among the 2-4 rhythms, the principal ones are the March, which is indicated either in "Alla Breve" (C), as "The Stars and Stripes Forever," or in 2-4, as the more rollicking "Over There," or the well known Cake Walk, "Georgia Camp Meeting." By increasing the tempo of the 2-4 March it becomes the One Step dance.

Mills

Copyright by MILLS.]

Marches are also written in 6-8. Then they are called Two Steps, as "The Handicap March," and Sousa's "Washington Post" March.

Among the other 2-4 rhythms are the Polka, suitable for Ballet work. The "Pizzicato Polka" is a very good example of this type. The Gallop and Can Can are in a very fast 2-4 tempo.

Offenbach]

Waltzes are in 3-4, played sometimes in a lively tempo, one in a bar, or slow, 3 in a bar. "Three o'Clock in the Morning," a ballroom waltz is in the slow tempo, while "In the Good Old Summertime" is more rapid, adapted for fast movements and waltz clogs. "Valse Coppelia," played one in a bar, is the type for dainty Ballet work. The stately Minuet is in 3-4 time.

by Julian Robledo

Copyright by West's LTD. London Eng.

Leo Feist Sole Agt.]

GEO. EVANS

Copyright by HAVILAND.]

LEO DELIBES.]

The Gavotte, played 4 in a bar, is principally suitable for Ballet, while the Song and Dance ("Narcissus"), on account of its rhythm, is mainly adapted for the soft shoe and its kindred dances. It is also in 4-4. The Fox Trot is written "Alla Breve," 2 in a bar in moderate tempo. It has a somewhat strict rhythm, while the "Charleston," played usually in the same tempo, is rhythmically different. As one can notice, it has an anticipated second beat.

Perhaps the most popular music for the Charleston dance is the Charleston number from "Runnin' Wild."

"Narcissus"

Nevin]