292 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



confusion of the measure will ensue. Precision in this matter is the more 

 requisite, because of the peculiarity in the measure. If the first step in 

 each bar be not strongly marked, the valse measure has no chance of 

 making itself apparent ; and the dance becomes a meaningless galop. 



The step contains two movements, a glissade and a chassez, following 

 each other quickly in the same direction. Gentleman begins as usual 

 with his left foot ; lady with her right. 



1st beat. Glissade to the left with left foot. 



2nd and 3rd beats. Chassez in the same direction with right foot ; do 

 not turn in this first bar. 



2nd bar, 1st beat. Slide right foot backwards, turning half round. 



2nd and 3rd beats. Pass left foot behind right, and Chassez forward 

 with it, turning half round to complete the figure en tournant. Finish 

 with right foot in front, and begin over again with left foot. 



There is no variation in this step ; but you can vary the movement by 

 going backward or forward at pleasure, instead of continuing the rotary 

 motion. The Valse a Deux Temps, like the Polka, admits of a reverse 

 step ; but it looks awkward unless executed to perfection. The first re- 

 quisite in this Valse is to avoid all jumping movements. The feet must 

 glide smoothly and swiftly over the floor, and be raised from it as little as 

 possible. Being so very quick a dance, it must be performed quietly, 

 otherwise it is liable to become ungraceful and vulgar. The steps should 

 be short, and the knees slightly bent. 



As the movement is necessarily very rapid, the danger of collision is 

 proportionately increased ; and gentlemen will do well to remember and 

 act upon this hint. 



They should also be scrupulous not to attempt to conduct a lady through 

 this valse until they have thoroughly mastered the step and well practised 

 the figure en tournant. Awkwardness or inexperience doubles the risk 

 of a collision ; which, in this extremely rapid dance, might be attended 

 with serious consequences. 



The Deux Temps is a somewhat fatiguing valse, and after two or three 

 turns around the room, the gentleman should pause to allow his partner to 

 rest. He should be careful to select a lady whose height does not present 

 too striking a contrast to his own ; for it looks ridiculous to see a tall 

 man dancing with a short woman and vice versa. This observation ap- 

 plies to all round dances, but especially to the valse, in any of its forms. 



