TEACHING DANCING.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 313, 7 November 1929, Page 1

TEACHING DANCING.

Some lady friends, visiting the recent Dunedin competitions, started discussing the advisability of having step and fancy dancing taught to young children. One of them, a

mether, said she would not allow her 1 Alice to start straining her legs, and another matron advanced the opinion that toe dancing in early life induced varicose veins in grown-ups. ►This suggestion made such an impression on a third member of the party that she resolved, in the interests of her chicks, to consult the family physician, and his answer is placed at our disposal for the guidance of others. It is to the effect: that dancing in moderation is a desirable form of exercise, but that teachers should be careful to call a halt when they see that any child who is being taught fancy dancing is becoming tired. The result to be feared, if rest is not given, is that the arches may be impaired, and thus cause flat-footedness. Llnreasonably lengthy spells of dancing may also strain the calf muscles, and ultimately throw the legs out of shape. The warning applies generally, but more particularly to toe dancing. The risk of varicose veins is negligible. Dancing develops the muscles, not the veins. The dreaded varicose condition that is disabling so many women is largely attributable to hereditary causes, and may be brought about in shop girls by their having to stand too long.