THE MILITARY BALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1939, Page 2

THE MILITARY BALL

HISTORY OF DANCING. Dancing, “rhythmical physical movements generally performed to a musical accompaniment,” originated as a ceremonial act in primeval society, in association with the incidents of births marriages, the seasons, warfare,, dis ease - and death, and plays an important part in the lives of primitive peoples of today. It figured in the re ligious rites of Egypt, Greece, and. to r lesser extent, of Rome, surviving today in Eastern ritual. The early Christian church took ovei the dance as well as the drama; thadancing was performed in medieval churches is seen from the name choir coming from the Greek chorus, and in the frequent injunctions against it Various forms, however, received re cognition, such as the dance of the seises in the Seville Cathedral, author ised in 1439; this dance is still thr greatest event of the Corpus Christi festivities. The art was secularised in the 15th century, when many dances originated in Spain and Italy, and were later developed in France. At this period some of the most popular were the pavane, the sarabancle, and the minuet. Later came the gavotte, originally a peasants’ dance, and still later the cotillion, while such dances as the schottische. quadrille, polka and waltz belong to the 19th century. Within recent years a large number of negro dances have been introduced into Europe, chiefly from America.' This is a brief history of dancing. If one compiled a history of balls for the last quarter of a century one would find that of them all the public favoured the Military Ball. “There’s something about a soldier that is fine, fine, fine,” so go to this year’s brilliant affair and see the “fine soldiers” of the local Territorials. Remember, too, to note in your social engagements diary the date, Wednesday, June 21.