Page:Modern Dancing (1914) Castle.djvu/142

Rh good dancer and the poor one, between the gentleman and the roisterer.

In the modern dances the dancer stands with lithe grace and ease, but very erect, and dances with her feet, not with her whole body. Her outstretched fingers rest against the palm of her partner's hand; her other hand rests on his arm, and there should be space between. Then the lady should hold herself erect, that this space may remain there. Flouncing elbows, pumping arms, fantastic dips, and whirlwind turns all detract not only from the grace of the dance, but from the charm of the dancer.

A dip is hardly more than bending the knee. It does not mean an exposure of silk stocking, or should not, if the dancing-costume is properly cut; and it should not be done in a romping spirit. Remember that you are dancing, not doing acrobatic exercises; and your partner is there to dance with, not to hang yourself on in grotesque attitudes and poses to music.