Caroline Walker

“ Do not hold the body or arms tense. All movements should be free, easy and natural.
Do not sway the body or hunch up the shoulders.
Dance with a "soft" knee. By this I do not mean that one should have the appearance of jumping up and down. On the contrary, the shoulders should travel on a line as though there were pieces of glass on them, which must not be allowed to drop off. But do not keep the knees stiff. These dances are done with the limbs, not with the body, the weight being always on the ball of the foot. ”

“ This is a graceful, pleasing and simple waltz, done to the same music as the Hesitation Waltz and Walking Boston, comprising two distinct figures.
This instruction is for the man. For the lady the only difference is that his left foot is her right foot. ”

“ The greatest criticism has been caused, however, by the fact that the new dances were performed very generally by those whose performance of any dances would be improper and in many cases even suggestive.
That this, however, has not militated against the dances themselves, is proved by their increasing popularity among refined people of all ages.
Public sentiment is placing the stamp of approval more strongly every day on the new dances. Chiefly so because the best teachers in all parts of the country now know where they stand and are teaching the positions and steps as they should be done. ”

“ It is a slow, stately dance, with lots of the Spanish snap and swing to it, and is becoming increasingly popular for ball-room performance. It is an exquisite dance, and very complicated to one unused to dancing. ”

“ The lady should be careful not to grip her partner's right arm. Her hand should rest lightly on his arm. The man's left arm and the lady's right should be extended straight out from the shoulder. Do not grip the hands together. The lady's hand should lie in the man's upturned open palm. ”

“ I advise as little practice as possible without music. Try the steps with this book in your hand just long enough to get the idea, then practice them to music, for the inspiration of the ragtime airs is the greatest help in learning. ”

“ In balancing onto the forward foot, the backward foot should barely leave the floor, and in no event should it be brought forward. And in balancing onto the backward foot the forward foot should not be brought backward. ”

“ Remember that the right foot only goes forward and back. The left foot moves only to the side, taking you on a straight line across the room. As in the Forward and Back Steps, both the Circle and Grape Vine are the same slow, running, slightly springy steps, barely lifting the feet from the floor. ”

“ The Walking Boston
The Walking Boston, sometimes designated the One Step Waltz, is a very simple dance in which many graceful figures may be introduced. It is done to the same music as the Hesitation Waltz and Dream Waltz. ”

“ Starting with the inside foot, take three steps forward. On the fourth extend the outside foot, rest the weight on it for the fraction of a second, give a short, quick "brush" with the toe and swing the foot across the other, the fifth count being a step in the opposite direction. ”

“ Take six running steps forward. Then the man and the lady each turn completely around and take six steps in the opposite direction, the lady being on the man's left arm and the man on the lady's right. ”

“ Be sure to keep the free arm out to the side as shown in the illustration, so that, in turning, it falls easily around the partner.
THE LAME DUCK
This is a very popular figure. When you see it done you will appreciate the name. ”