DANCING, &c.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1207, 23 March 1880, Page 2

DANCING, &c.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I am free to confess that I felt considerable pleasure in perusing the last letter of " Meus," which is, in many respects, a creditable production. I was pleased to notice that he frankly conceded the position advanced by me that the ball-room, so far from providing a healthful recreation, was to be scrupulously avoided by the frail and delicate. Its murky, poisonous atmosphere, and unnatural hours, prove a most severe strain upon those whose constitutions are vigorous and robust, and tell with crushing effect upon the infirm and weak. I must acknowledge the justness of " Mens" in calling in question my statement that dancing in pairs was a modem innovation. My statement was simply a comparative one, as it respected communities in Christian countries, and the method that obtained among the ancient Hebrews. It is well known that dancing has been indulged in from time immemorial. It is also true that among mvagc nations the passion for dancing is most strongly manifested ; and as civilisation advances it assumes a more and more subdued [Character." As "Mens" observes, the old monuments of Oriental nations afford abundant proof of the dancing common to them. The most eminent Greek sculptors studied the attitudes of the public dancers for their "art of imitaiing the passions." Those works of art of the cultured Pagans exhibit in its true light the practice which " Mens" so highly extols. Does not " Mens" know that there is no public museum where true models of those works cound a place ? Then. " Meus" seems to be ignorant of the fact that dancing in ancient times was performed mostly by proxy professionals. I Among the Romans it was considered disgraceful for a free citizen to dance, except in connection with religion. Among i Eastern nations it is still the custom to have professional dancers at entertainmeuts, just as the lordly families of Eng- | land kept in olden times their professional buffoons or fools. A few years ago, on the occasion of the Shah of Persia's visit to England, the great Mahommedan was entei'tained by the Prince of Wales at a grand ball. After keenly observing for some time the sweltering and exhausted dancers, he naively remarked, that they kept bcrntntu to perform the laborious part of the performance, while the wealthy ones looked on and enjoyed the fun. I am informed that the Shah's observation has had a remarkable influence upon the dancing customs of the upper classes in England, and that they are likely to imitate the Shah, and relegate the work to paid professional dancers in future. " Mens" seems to hold very pronounced views upon the wonderful purity of the human race in general, and of ballroom dancers in particular. I may saythat I cannot share those views, though Ido believe with him that "to the pure all things are pure." But we ai*e not wanting in proof that human nature is not universally immaculate, and certainly not so jierfect as he would lead us to believe. " Mens" letter forcibly reminded me of the brilliant and phlosophic Condorcet who held, and f ervently advocated, such bold views upon the "unlimited perfectibility" of human kind, and who, a short time after publishing his views, died by his own hand, a suicide ! For 7ny part, I would rather hold by the sentiment embodied in the expression found in an old Hebrew classic; — 'Sf^ have seen an end of all perfection ;" and decidedly so as regards the ball-room with its essential connections and surroundings. — I am, &c, Ax Observer. [This correspondence is closed. — Ed.]

A couiiEsi'oNßEXTfroin To Arohu writes : — to the Th<mu .s Adn rt<»< r. Judging from the number of poisons pecking for land, mid having- eonversntions with many of them, eve y lot of the deferred payment* land in that district will be applied for, aud in some oases two or three deep.