If winter is coming it's time to think of dancing, or so this "Women's World" writer told her readers in 1936. – JOE JOYCE
WITH THE approach of this season, we are all of us inclined each year to wonder how the long evenings will be filled in, now that the drives and hikes and tennis of the summer are no longer possible. For most people, too, the thought is tinged with faint melancholy, because books and warm fires, though infinitely pleasant, are apt to pall at times when you are young – whatever your age. And what more pleasant answer to the question than that of an occasional evening’s dancing? All the needs of most of us are filled in this manner. Congenial company, good music, and most health-giving exercise are all for the dancing enthusiast.
The appeal of dancing is manifold, and has facets to attract devotees of the most varying requirements. To the music-lover, to the aesthete, to the exercise-lover, dancing makes its particular appeal, and, apart from this, the attraction of rhythm which is common to each of us is to be found most clearly when dancing on a good floor to an attractive tune, and, undeniably, with a suitable partner.
Though dancing is not yet as popular in these islands as on the Continent, the last few years have shown that its attractions are becoming appreciated by more and more people, who have discovered the advantages of this excellent recreation.
The day is not yet here when every cafe contains a dancing floor, and music by day and by night. However, already we have the Gresham and Metropole, where we can dance every Saturday night, and frequently during the week, to excellent music, and at very little cost. In the Royal Hibernian Hotel, too, most enjoyable dances are held; while, if we care to go further afield, we have Kilcroney, the International Hotel, Bray; Woodbrook; the Grand Hotel, Greystones; Nas-na-Riog Hotel, Naas, and many other amusing venues. As for hunt balls, where are they gayer and more enjoyable than in Ireland.
Quite often it is heard said: “I don’t go to dances because I cannot do any of the new steps.” More is the shame; where have we better facilities to learn than here in Dublin? There are untold number of excellent dancing schools, where private and public lessons are given at hours to suit all. For those who have not danced much since last season, even two or three lessons would start them off correctly this year, and do away with any pangs of fear of treading on their partners’ toes or missing steps.
As regards children . . . the younger they start the better. Ballet dancing, besides making them naturally graceful, gives them intense pride when they are selected by their teachers to take part in a dancing matinee. Although ballroom dancing can be learnt at almost any age, a greater perfection is reached when started young. Your children should go to Irish dancing classes as well. It is not only tremendously exhilarating, healthy exercise, but an incomparable means to a good carriage.
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