THE TANGO.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 25, 30 September 1913, Page 5

THE TANGO.

MUCH DISCUSSED DANCE. , —. A RIVAL TO THE THEATRE. [By Electric Telegraph— Copyright] [U niter Press Association.] Berlin, September 29. Herr Max Rheinhardt states that the theatres find the dancing craze a more deadly rival than the cinemas, especially the Tango, which is destined 1 to become an epidemic before the close | season, invading the most exclusive j ball rooms. i THE NEW TANGO. Writing under date, August 11, the London Correspondent of the Sydney Daily Telegraph says According to Mr Cecil Taylor, president of the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers, the much-abused and discussed “Tango,’ 1 is to be the great dance of the fortli--1 coming autumn and winter season. Its 1 popularity will be more than local or * national. In most of the European

capitals the Tango is being recognised as a dance embracing that stateliness of step and 'gracefulness of poise which makes dancing an artistic pleasure.

In view of the recent controversy concerning styles in the ballroom, it is as well to make it clear, he points out, that the Tango of to-day has little resemblance to the ungraceful and unmeaning dances that bore its name during the season just over. There

were movements in those versions of the Tango to which strong objection might fairly be taken. There were no fiercer critics than the recognised dancing masters. The prejudice against such forms of dancing was increased by the introduction of Turkey Trots, Bunny-hugs, and other dances which, alone, were sufficient to condemn them in the eyes of the society hostess. The controversy which resulted has served the useful pui’pose of purifying the ballroom and awakening an interest in the possibilities of dancing. ■ '

These matters have been discussed this week at the ninth annual congress of the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers in London. The result is that such zoological and aquarium dances as the Turkey Trot, Fish Walk, Bunny-hug, and the Crab Walk will never again figure on the programme of any reputable ball. On the real Tango, howover, the seal of international- approval lids been definitely fixed. The Tango of to-day is the Tange ;■ only in name. It does; not resemble;,! in any way the Tangb of ancient Rome m- some of. .tjie.j jexhibif;ipns ; : pen f . London.,, Properly executed, it appfoxiip’aief - |o the, s|;a|tely , as of the old days with the exception that the partner is held in the same way as in the waltz. It may he danced with simple qr complicated steps, rffccording to the adaptabilities of the dancers. The more difficult movements, however, arc not essentially the most effective. It is a dance for 1 the graceful in which the poetry of motion-'' is. 'beautifully Expressed; Op ~ the Continent the Tango is now being ’ taught by English as well as- local instructors. In Germany it is being largely , taught. To the French is given the palm for all that is artistic and graceful in the ballroom. Austrians and Hungarians are clever, but are inclined to introduce characteristics from their old national • dances.

Germans are keen on learning anything new, providing it has the merit of art. But in all the European capitals the Tango, when properly danced, has met with approval.