Dancing for the Business Man

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1052, 16 August 1930, Page 9 (Supplement)

Dancing for the Business Man

(By A. P. C. BENTLEY.)

JJOW many business men, when j asked if they dance, reply that I they have never thought of it, or that j they haven't the leisure time? If only they knew it, dancing for them is a potential asset, giving a fresh source of enegry and creating that “away-from-office” feeling which so many seek. It fills the bill admirably as regards exercise of a moderate nature, which is one of the chief factors contributing to good health, and the fact of moving the limbs and muscles in harmony with the joyous and syncopated rhythm of modern dance music is, in itself, a tonic for the nerves. Apart from the extraordinary benefit that is derived from this wonderful form of recreation, it is from a social point of view, necessary for a business man to be .ble to take his place efficiently in the ballroom. From time to time' he is called upon, nay, his position calls upon him, to be present at certain functions where dancing takes a predominant place, and probably through an instinctive desire to do all things well, or through the fear of making a ridiculous appearance, he will often hold back from venturing on the floor. It is obviously, therefore, a duty to himself and to others to prepare for these

I situations, so as to take his place naturally and capably in the ballroom. Just as he is able, with confidence, to converse, transact and debate at board meetings, so should his demeanour be when he meets his business associates in this relaxed sphere. Prepare for it! There is no age limit to this pastime—if you are not yet eighty, you should dance. There is nothing simpler than learning to dance—“the secret of art lies in simplicity.” Nowadays, teaching dancing has become such a fine art that a per- , son, though he may never have danced before, is able, w-ithiu a few' weeks, to dance in a free and confident style. A business man can appreciate the fact ■ that everything cannot be taught in just a few lessons, but in a course . of six or eight half-hour private i lessons, a person of average i intelligence and adaptability should i know sufficient to venture on the floor. , It, therefore, behoves the business ! man who doesn’t dance to seek out a ! proficient -teacher and avail himself , of at least one course of private ini struc'tiou. l You are acquainted w-ith your - friend’s circle of business; now strike i a tangent at his circle of leisure. The • value of it will be immeasurable and ’ the enjoyment you w r ill derive from it ; alone will be immense.