Page:Modern Dancing (1914) Castle.djvu/190

Rh hand. I refer particularly to the development of a mental attitude that associates itself with the physical attitude. It is known that it is difficult for the man who carries his head erect and throws his shoulders back to be dejected; likewise it is difficult for the stoop-shouldered, frowning, querulous-looking individual to be joyous and exalted. The result of one of these conditions is not the consequence of the other; but because they have been so long associated it is difficult for the one to be present and the other absent. The practice of joyousness in features and bearing will help to develop a joyous feeling in the mind. The dancer's main object is to present a good appearance; his muscles are cultivated to give a light and buoyant poise to the body; his facial expression becomes one of pleasure and laughter. In such a one it is difficult to conceive any mental dejection. When we see him with all these outward expressions of happiness he makes us also happy. So let us again be thankful for an art which pleases the participant and radiates its charm upon its surroundings.