The art of dancing

the long version

This manual is a good example of the emphasis placed on physical fitness during the early twentieth century and, dancing master Clendenen notes, "we have just won the greatest war known in history ... by efficiency, and physical excellence." The manual encourages teachers to instruct children "correct dancing and health movements." Clendenen describes a wide panorama of movement including pantomime and dramatic posture dances, Greek dancing, Hawaiian arm and Italian body exercises, rhythmic dancing, toe dancing, as well as nature and health exercises. The book also includes steps and choreographies for novelty dances such as "Russian Slavic Dance," "Dance of the Soul," and "Egyptian Posture Dance."