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Show 28 CODE OF TERPSICHORE. The art of dancing is not only necessary, but almost indispensible to those who are fond of society. The manner of presenting one's self, and of receiving others, in company, with a graceful propriety, and the easy and polite demeanour which is so becoming in society, is ac- ' quired most effectually by those who have studied the art of dancing. I shall now conclude by remarking that dancing, besides the amusement it affords, serves to improve our physical, and even to animate our moral powers; gives relief in certain diseases, affords a cure in others, promotes the harmony of society, and is a most requisite accomplishment for all who have the happiness to possess a good education. " - Quacunque potes dote placere, place."-OVID. N A T I O N A L DANCES. THE CHICA. The Chica was brought to us from Africa, where every tribe dances it, particularly the Congos. The Negroes carried it with them to the Antilles, where it soon became naturalized. This dance was so universal throughout South America and the West Indies, that at the commencement of the present century it was still danced in all religious ceremonies and processions. The nuns during the ni^ht of Christmas eve showed themselves to the public through the gratings of their convents, expressing, in the voluptuous agitations of the Chica, the joy they felt for the birth of the Son of God, who came to take away, by his death the sins of the world. This dance is passionately admired among the Creoles, who enthusiastically adopted it on its introduction among them. America is not the only country that has been in- |