Can You Dance The "Rufty Tufty"?—No, It's Not Swing!

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 36, 17 February 1939, Page 23

Can You Dance The "Rufty Tufty"?—No, It's Not Swing!

[T’S a true saying that one-half of the world doesn’t know how the other half lives. It’s perhaps an even truer saying that one-half of the world doesn’t Know what the other half does in its spare time. For instance, take this pastime of folk-dancing. It may be news to a good many people that there is now a well-established folk-dancing movement throughout New Zealand which is pledged, with its sister society in England, to keep alive the rustic recreations of our forbears. However, such people are likely to be considerably enlightened by folk-dancing demonstrations which are being organised in conjunction with the Fitness Week celebrations. It is probable that during the festivities dancers will be tripping across the tram-tracks in Oriental Bay, Wellington, or on the stage at the Town Hall, in the | intricate figures of the "Rutty Tufty," "The Black Nag" and the. "Helston Furry." These f.lk dances certainly have delightful names! The folk-dancing movement in New Zealand owes much to the en-

thusiasm of Miss H. Taylor, of Wellington. The holder of an advanced certificate from the English Folk Dancing Society, she has sponsored the cause ever since 1926, when the first gathering of folkdancers was held in New Plymouth, She was trained under the late Cecil Sharp, "G.O.M." of English folk-dancing, who collected and recorded a wealth of forgotten traditional music and dances in England and other countries, Since 1926, Miss Taylor has given up her holidays on several occasions to conduct vacation schools in folk-dancing. Most recent was that held in Nelson at the end of January. Perhaps the most prized possession she has brought back from that gathering is a 16mm. cinematograph film of folk-dancers from all over New Zealand demonstrating several of their picturesque dances in the grounds of Wainui House. Miss Taylor hopes to gather similar films over the years as a record of this ancient pastime transplanted to this comparatively hew: country, : ecr 4 Se? att !