Part 29

by HARRY ARCHER

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

Copyright MCMXXIII by Harms, Inc., N.Y.]

There are a great many varieties of national dances, all having a peculiar rhythm of their own, portraying the character of their people. Among these are the "American" characteristic dances, as "The Rube Dance" and the peculiar rhythm of the Stop Buck, the "Essence" played in moderate 6-8 tempo, as in "Comin' Through the Rye."

Among the Irish Dances, the most popular are the Jig, a fast 2-4; and the Reel, a fast 6-8. The Scotch have their "Highland Fling," a fast 4-4, and there is the Hornpipe.

The Spanish dancers are particularly fond of the Waltz, played lively, and when still more increased in tempo it becomes the "Fandango," a wild and merry dance. The Tango is in 2-4, played in moderately slow tempo; its rhythm is also adapted for the Habanera.

(Fandango) Waldteufel]

Copyright Sam Fox Cleveland O.

("Rosita" Tango Fox Trot)]

The Italians have their "Tarantella." It is played very fast. It is supposed to cure the bite of the tarantula, hence the furious tempo. The Egyptian (Oriental) Dance is of a more sensuous type, either moderately fast in 2-4 or slow (in 6-8).

The Soft Shoe Dance is played 4 in a bar in Schottisch tempo.

(fast movement)

A. LUIGINI]

Most any 2-4 March movement is suitable for "buck" dances, but they must be in syncopated rhythm with characteristic melodies and accompaniments and not what is called straight marches, but must have the right atmosphere musically in order to inspire the dancer.

There are a number of very good dance albums published annually with popular dance melodies and piano arrangements. Among the best are those published by Leo Feist, Inc., Jerome H. Remick & Company, Shapiro, Bernstein & Company, Harms, Inc., and M. Witmark & Sons, all of New York.

DIET AND DANCING

There are three kinds of people who should use care in all that they put into their bodies in the way of food and drink: The thin, the just right, and the stouts. That seems to cover about everybody on earth, doesn't it?

Well, that is just the idea. It is my way of saying that everyone, everywhere--you and I and the other folks, will be better looking and in better health and better spirits, more capable every way, if we pay attention to our diet.

This treatise is intended for men as well as for women and is equally applicable to both. It is addressed to the ladies, for reasons that surely are obvious, but the rebuilding of the figure is accomplished by the same methods in both sexes. Remember this, and substitute "man" for "woman" in your reading and application of this chapter if you are a male.

Incidentally, it is not stage dancers alone who need to be told what is best for them, but as our professional dealings here in the studios are with dancers, we are directing our advice to them. For really the need is greater in the case of the lady whose "job" and salary depend upon her bodily appearance and health and mental condition, than it is in the case of any other of her sex. The lady of society wishes to look at her best, and usually succeeds in doing so, but her "job" doesn't depend upon it, as yours does.

So believe me when I say that what I am about to put down here in black and white is not said for the fun of it nor for any other purpose but to enable every woman to increase her capital stock and secure the largest possible dividends in the beauty market.

The thin, slight, under-nourished woman will heed my words on this subject with satisfaction. Her procedure is pleasant and easy, comparatively. She can and will improve rapidly if she is determined to do so and will stick to what I tell her.

The "just right" woman wants to remain in her perfect form, and the words here printed will serve as a sign-post to direct her in the way that is best for the accomplishment of that desirable end. Her task is easiest of all.

The stout woman who would regain the more pleasing figure that nature intended she should have can do so if she will, but her inclination to indolence and indulgence must be overcome--by herself, not by anything anyone else can do for her--and she must make up her mind that she has a real task before her, and one that calls for all her will power and stern determination. And she must be patient, for in her case results are apt to be slow. But let her be encouraged: Some of the most admired women of the stage have experienced her same difficulty with too abundant flesh and have perfected themselves by this identical plan set forth here. So it has been done, and can be done in your case; but it all depends upon you, your zeal and your stick-to-it-iveness.

To see how your present weight conforms to the proper standard, I present here a table of average weights based on heights and age. In this table the weights are taken in scant costume, a single garment and no shoes. Any table of this kind can be only approximate, however, for the frame and general build vary in different people and the bone structure must be considered in fixing the weight.

STANDARD TABLE OF AVERAGE HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS OF MEN AND WOMEN OF VARIOUS AGES

WOMEN

Heights Weights