Alfonso Josephs Sheafe

“ Acting upon this basis, the reputable teachers of dancing throughout the world have adopted and promulgated three fundamental groupings for the Round Dance which are so constructed as to provide the greatest ease of execution and freedom of action. They are known as the Waltz Position, the Open Position, and the Side Position of the Waltz. All round dances are executed in one or another of these groupings, which are not only accepted by all good teachers, but, with the exception of certain minor and unimportant variations, rigidly adhered to in all their work. ”

“ Therefore it is safe to say that the Boston will, eventually, supersede the Waltz altogether.
We demand a dance which combines ease of execution with attractive movement. That is just what the Boston does, and perhaps more. It is so simple [4] in construction that, when acquired, it becomes natural, and its perfect adaptability assures it lasting popularity. ”

“ This consists in touching the floor with the point of the free foot, at a point as far forward or backward as can be done without dividing the weight, on the second count of the measure. Thus, we have accomplished, as it were, an interrupted, or, at least, an arrested step, and this is the true essence of the Boston.
Too great care cannot be expended upon this phase of the step, and it must be practiced over and over again, both forward and backward, until the movement has become second nature. ”

“ The Tango is a Spanish American dance which contains much of the peculiar charm of the other Spanish dances, and its execution depends largely upon the ability of the dancers so to grasp the rhythm of the music as to interpret it by their movements. The steps are all simple, and the dancers are permitted to vary or improvise the figures at will. ”

“ The lady places her left hand lightly upon the gentleman's arm, allowing her fore-arm to rest gently upon his arm. The partners stand at an easy distance from one another, inclining toward the common centre very slightly. The free hands are lightly joined at the side. This is merely to provide occupation for the disengaged arms, and the gentleman holds the tip of the lady's hand lightly in the bended fingers of his own. Guiding is accomplished by the gentleman through a slight lifting of his right elbow. ”

“ These movements are identical with walking, and except the particular care which must be bestowed upon the placing of the foot on the first count of the measure, they require no special degree of attention. ”

“ Preparation:—Side Position of the Waltz.
During the first four measures take four Boston steps without turning (lady forward, gentleman backward) , and bending the supporting knee, stretch the free foot backward, (lady's left, gentleman's right) as shown in the illustration opposite. ”