Life, 1923-12-20 · page 7 of 36
Life — December 20, 1923 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes the growing acceptance of jazz and modern dance in 1920s America. The text mocks predictions that jazz will be "lifted to a higher plane," citing absurd hypothetical newspaper headlines from various cities where jazz dancers supposedly appear before formal institutions (the Board of Aldermen, Congress, the Chamber of Deputies). The satire targets both the pretentiousness of those claiming to legitimize popular entertainment and the faddish enthusiasm for jazz among the wealthy and influential. References to "Isamora Bunkum" and dancers exhibiting before Congress mock the idea that crude entertainment could ever achieve cultural respectability. The accompanying photograph of industrial smokestacks provides ironic visual contrast to the frivolous dance discussion, suggesting Jazz Age frivolity amid serious social concerns.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Progress of the Dance I’ view of recent events it may be safely prophesied that he art of dancing will be snatched from the devotees of z and not only lifted to a higher plane but exalted to a v dignity. Y Quite recently an eminent churchman in New York red, in his house of worship, The Progress of the man Soul, interpreted by a bevy of young ladies in Hel- ¢ costumes, whose rhythmic movements made clear what | hitherto been obscure in the subject. As the innovation aroused considerable discussion and ived public approval, it is quite likely we shall soon note agraphs in the public press similar to the following: /fonolulu—Kikiwiki and her Hula Hula girls are to in- pret differential freight rates to the Interstate Commerce mmission next month. Special grass is being grown for v skirts. hicago—Jazz and Hoofer have been requested to appear fore the Board of Aldermen in New York and interpret new Budget. The dancing of this clever team had much do with stretching the three-mile limit to twelve miles. Constantinople—Oochee Koochie, the famous muscle incer, has been engaged by a multimillionaire in America » demonstrate the engineering plan for Muscle Shoals. is—Premier Poincaré to-day proposed to the Chamber i Deputies that Mlle. Ballerina, the premiére danseuse of © Opéra, be sent to America to interest the Yankees in ie occupation of the Rukr. Washington, D. C.—Secretary Mellon to-day explained is idea of a cut in the income tax to Congress and the cnate, with an exhibition given by Isamora Bunkum and er dancers. The S. R.-O. sign was hung out before the vors opened. The classic costumes, if any, received much comment. Miss Bunkum was particularly good in the Super- tax reduction movement, and the Soldiers’ Bonus Solo by Lottie Twinkeltoe was masterly. Mark Swan. What the Thinking Man Will Do (If He Obeys Instructions) Vote the Republican ticket. Vote the Democratic ticket. Smoke Campbell cigarettes. Wear Back Bay garters. Vote the Farmer-Labor ticket. Demand by name Amlaco shoelaces (The Tips Won't Fray). Read “How to Sell Yourself to Your Boss.” Have the Surefind filing system installed at Drink Burly Brew—‘The Test’s in the Zest.” Write to his Congressman. Buy them by the dozen—the Economical Way. Take this list seriously | HAVEN'T had a bite to eat for three days,” began the tramp as the door opened. “Don’t bother me about those fasting fads,” answered the woman of the house as she slammed the door. + THERE ARE CHIMNEYS AND CHIMNEYS comicbooks.com