THIS DANCE HABIT.

Otaki Mail, 17 December 1923, Page 3

THIS DANCE HABIT.

0 nothing to wear!" sniffed the ugly * The modern ■ 'ind.■rellu would, the night before the ball, have "knocked adequate, creation more decorative than modes' in its proportions. Dame frocks are not wear 'hey were in the dav.- before dancing became a habit. Thirty years ago, when a ball was announced months in advance by a little card " requesting the pleasure." fiock- were matters of grave import. Thrilling dav.- of choosing materia]. Thoughtful evenings of selecting a '•stvie." The adventure ot "cutting ouf" took no end of a lone- lime, and was nor only tedious, but difficult. Much help and advice "ere needed. and. oh.' the fittings! Patient hours of standing, motionless or revolving slowly before a mirror, the helping maiden crawling about the door with her mouth full of pins ar*l Iter eves fufl of anxious concern. The frock provided amid" occupation tor the familv during the lonti evenino, and wet winter day.- till the night of the ball. And then. ... in ali" the splendour of foaming frills and frothy train, her cheeks slighrly flushed wiA the consciousnc's of her own boautv. the voung lady would sit uiih demurely folded hands while the youne gentlemen filled her programme. Great .excitement this, though her df-meanour would never betray it. for who knew what fairv princes? -.-.: , •! .rdrodueed ~v a n>vr-.<: .-■••;> Oh. dances were high adv.enture then, and all the patient hour-; and sVd f "l work put into The frock were not "waned. A long night of dignified arid grace fill dancing, with a little wicked flirtation in a dimly lit conservatory to the -oft strain; of a string band, and take interest of wondering which gallant would hand her lo her carriage. Ore could weep for these dead ball?. Thev are irrevocably gone wi<d' D;ck Tuipin and his fellows into the rc^; : « of three-Benr.?. novelettes. 'There's a dance at Slippy '=. Cornine"' asks Jeanctte. "Can't. Nolhiiirf to wear. ; ' "What about that bit of black stuff yc-u bought at Marrod's? I7se that. TJobbie's at a loose end, and we'll make up a four. We can cram into Billy's "Ford'' corning back. See you tonight. Cheeroh!" Oh! Shades of gilt-edged cord? with B.S.V.P. in the 'right-hand corner, and carriages at two! Dances are fun now. any one can see that, bur there is no glamour. The

magic and romance have gone, with elegant formality they have given place to jazzing infant; with balloons and ;q UC akers, strenuously keeping pace with p. saxaphone, a blazon horn and their own ideas on "Bananas.''