Rhythmic Dance Book

This book is written in response to numerous requests I have received, both in England and America, for a textbook of my work in which ideas should be conveyed rather than rules formulated. I recognize that the need is felt, because, although there are many works dealing with natural dancing in various forms, the practical combination of movement, music and story which I have developed and venture to submit, differs largely from other schemes, and will, I hope, help teachers to make "Rhythmic Dancing," as I call it, a joy to girls of all ages from one end of Society to the other.This dancing is devised, firstly, for the sake of physical development; it is associated with good music only, and in performing the work an appreciation of artistic line or contour is encouraged. Creative dancing of this type stimulates individuality and spontaneity because every action expresses a meaning, making every dance a story in movement.It is generally recognized to-day that exercise in which one is emotionally interested is doubly beneficial. Modern life demands that there should not be only a sound mind in a sound body, but also a sound emotional nature; and if these three are to work together to give a complete expression of the personality, it is absolutely necessary that they should be trained together.Of course no one expects that the disciplinary or corrective results which are best obtained from formal gymnastic exercises will ever be supplied by dance movements of any kind, nor do I make any attempt to substitute dances of any type for games or athletic events. Each of these goes to fulfil its own function, but, taught in a sound, healthy, well-balanced manner, Rhythmic Dancing supplies a charming addition to a lesson, as well as real physical benefit; and for these reasons I venture to think that there is a place for it in most of the physical education connected with girls' school life and beyond.Whether taught as an individual subject by a specially trained teacher, or given for the last ten minutes of a school "drill lesson," Rhythmic Dancing, thoughtfully performed, possesses the element of refreshment; and great results may, I think, be expected from its intelligent teaching.The pleasures of natural dancing which have attracted children throughout the ages have never been more needed, physically, than now, and with stories to supply the consecutive element of interest, we only need the great link-rhythm, and the kind of music which quickens the artistic sense, for some very fine developing influences to be set in motion.The effect of such influences on the children is that they idealize the beautiful in daily life; many a shy child might become a creative artist if the elements of song, play, and drama entered her physical education. Also I think all might learn to eliminate much that stunts and dulls, leading more joyous and vitally active lives through realizing the possibilities of self-expression and beauty in their own beings.The Dance Of TomorrowIts EvolutionIts Joyous Health Its Spirit Its Suggestion Its Enjoyment Its Spontaneity Its Example Its Possibilities Its Creative Power . Its Rhythm Its Universality Its Triple Appeal Rhythmic ExercisesOf Exhilaration Of TechniqueOf Repose Of Co-ordination III. Stories In Movement(i) ON THE SEASHORE ... 42 (2) NOEL ...... 46 (3) HAYMAKING SI (4) NIGHT IN A TOYSHOP ... 56 (5) THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN . . . 60 (6) A GRECIAN FRIEZE ... 63 (7) THE CAPTIVE BUTTERFLY . . 67 (8) THE WIND AND THE ROSE . . 72 (9) A WOODLAND FANTASY ... 76 IV. Verse DancingIts Interpretative Value . . 83 An Example: "Fairy Pipers" . .84 V. Plastic PosingAppreciation Of Line And Contour . 89 An Example: "Famous Statuary" . 91 VI. Freedom Of Movement— SUITABLE CLOTHING FOR THE WORK . 93 THE MAKING OF A GRECIAN TUNIC . 95 Read more