FREE BOOKS

Author's List




PREV.   NEXT  
|<   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106   107   108   109   110   111   112   113   114   115   116   117   118   119   120   121   122  
123   124   125   126   127   128   129   130   131   132   133   134   135   136   137   138   139   140   141   142   143   144   145   146   147   >>   >|  
as its name implies, is the quintessence of all the "fast" dances. At the time of the Polka mania it was very much in vogue, and was almost as great a favourite as the _Deux Temps_. Although its popularity has greatly declined of late, it generally occurs twice or thrice in the programme of every ball-room; and the music of the Galop is, like the dance itself, so gay and spirited, that we should regret to see it wholly laid aside. The step is similar to that of the _Deux Temps_ Valse, but the time is 2/4, and as quick as possible. Two _chassez_ steps are made in each bar. The figure can be varied by taking four or eight steps in the same direction, or by turning with every two steps, as in the _Deux Temps_. Like all round dances, it admits of an unlimited number of couples. Being, perhaps, the most easy of any, every one takes part in it, and the room is generally crowded during its continuance. A special amount of care is therefore necessary on the part of the gentleman to protect his partner from accidents. We have now described all the round dances at present in vogue. * * * * * XXI.--THE COTILLON. The Cotillon is rarely seen in English ball-rooms, but on the Continent, especially in Italy, it is a great favourite. It occupies a somewhat similar position to our own Sir Roger de Coverley, being generally the concluding dance of the evening, in which every one joins. It can be prolonged at pleasure by the introduction of more figures, for it has no definite beginning or end. It is, in fact, more like a long game performed to the accompaniment of valse music than a dance. We shall describe the Cotillon as we have seen it in the palaces of Italy, where it is danced with enthusiasm, and diversified by an innumerable variety of figures, only a few of which we can undertake to remember. It is never commenced till towards the close of the ball, at so advanced an hour that all the sober portion of the assembly have retired, and only the real lovers of dancing remain, who sometimes prolong this their favourite amusement till a late hour in the morning. It is customary for gentlemen to select their partners for the Cotillon early in the evening, while the other dances are in progress; for, as it lasts so long a time, it is necessary to know beforehand how many ladies feel inclined to remain during its continuance. A circle of chairs is arranged round the room, the centre being le
PREV.   NEXT  
|<   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106   107   108   109   110   111   112   113   114   115   116   117   118   119   120   121   122  
123   124   125   126   127   128   129   130   131   132   133   134   135   136   137   138   139   140   141   142   143   144   145   146   147   >>   >|  



Top keywords:

dances

 

generally

 

Cotillon

 
favourite
 
remain
 

continuance

 
similar
 

figures

 

evening

 

accompaniment


palaces
 

describe

 

Coverley

 

definite

 

pleasure

 
prolonged
 

introduction

 

danced

 

beginning

 
performed

concluding

 
assembly
 

progress

 

partners

 

morning

 

customary

 

gentlemen

 
select
 

chairs

 

arranged


centre

 

circle

 

inclined

 

ladies

 

amusement

 

commenced

 

remember

 

undertake

 

diversified

 

innumerable


variety

 

advanced

 

dancing

 

prolong

 

lovers

 

portion

 
retired
 

enthusiasm

 

wholly

 

spirited