Page:The Modern Dances (1914) Walker.djvu/12

 8 stand and are teaching the positions and steps as they should be done.

The popularity of these dances is due very largely to the fascination of the endless variety of pretty, graceful steps and figures which can be interpolated into them. Many of the figures are widely known and are designated by names such as the "Lame Duck," "The Twinkle," and so on, but in reality the number of figures which can be woven into practically all of these dances is only limited to the ingenuity of those performing them.

Their popularity, therefore, is well deserved, while the criticism which in some instances has been so severe, is certainly not warranted by the dances as dances.

If the poses shown in this book are carefully observed, and the instructions, both general and specific, are followed, these dances will be performed in a manner which cannot possibly provoke unfavorable criticism.

I have made no attempt in this book to teach stage dancing. On the contrary, all of these dances with their many figures can be performed at any dancing party and even on a crowded floor.