Life, 1909-09-16 · page 12 of 32
Life — September 16, 1909 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains satirical poetry by Harry Graham about proper ballroom dancing etiquette. The classical illustration of "Apollo and Daphne" at top references idealized grace, which contrasts with Graham's satirical verses mocking actual dancers' behavior. The poem ridicules dancers who lack grace—mentioning family members watching with judgment ("your cousins and your brothers"), poorly-matched couples where partners "discredit by a style that's contrapuntal," and relatives who grow "apoplectic" observing the dancing. The satire targets the gap between aspirational refinement and actual clumsy, undignified performance at social dances. The bottom cartoon showing chaotic traffic appears unrelated or illustrative of general social chaos. The piece is social satire mocking middle-class pretensions about proper dancing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
I PFE: Deportmental Ditties BY MARRY GRAHAM Dancing HEN the parquet has been polished, and all furniture abolished, And the band has made a serviceable start; When your programme is selected and your efforts are directed To indulgence in the Saltatory Art; When your fellow-dancers eye you, as they sail serenely by you, With a scornful, supercilious sort of glance, There is nothing half so rotten as to find you have forgotten How to dance. your sisters and your brothers (not to mention hosts of others) How they leap and caracole and pirouet; While your partner you disgruntle by a style that's contra- puntal, Till the poor girl feels in ev'ry way upset Uncle George grows apoplectic, Uncle John seems somewhat hectic, But you gaze at them with envy as you note With what ease each stout relation gives his lifelike imitation Of a goat. There are many kinds of dances, from that favorite of France's © people call a “ valse " and others “ waltz "— h the French, in doubtful taste, dance both the can-can the t-dance, These are vulgar and have many other faults— To the saraband of Prussia, and the rigadoon of Russia, Which demand the greatest energy and z From that not-to-be-ignored dance which the Scottish term a “ Sword-dance "’ To a reel. APOLLO AND? DAPHNE When our a nma went dancing, her behavior was entranci (topers: version) Such decorum, so much grace, were rarely seen! And her too impatient lover was compelle ! to hover -_ On the outskirts of her spacious crinoline. The Better Way While demurely minuetting, in a staid and sober setting, IRST BOSTON CHILD: Do you believe in corporal She r usly maintained her self-respect punishment ? When she plied the “light fantastic,’ ev'ry pose, however Srcoxp Boston Cito: No; I can usually make my plastic, parents do what I wish by moral suasion. Was correct. ANY DAY ON comicbooks.com