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Show 54 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. suivre; ce melange d'un petit nombre de pas et d'une petite quantity de notes offre une multitude d'enchainemens et de traits varies; le gout et le ge"nie trouvent touj ours une source de nouveaute"s en arrangeant, et en retournant, cette petite portion de notes et de pas de mille sens et de mille manieres diffdrentes; ce sont done ces pas lents et soutenus, ces pas vifs, prC"cipite"s, et ces terns plus ou moins ouverts, qui forment cette diversity continuelle7." Imitate a painter in your manner of combining and arranging ; let all the objects of your picture be in strict harmony one with another, the principal effect spirited, every tint (if the expression be allowed as relating to the modulations of steps, attitudes, &c.) flowing into each other, and the whole polished off with softness and taste. Keep a vigilant ear to the movements, rests and cadences of the music, that your dancing may be in exact concert with its accompaniment. Every thing depends on this melodious union, and, when really perfect, it is charming in the extreme. Not an eye can follow the performer without delight, not an ear, however unsusceptible of the impressions which music conveys, can listen without being worked upon by an assemblage so ravishing and harmonious. Observe with attention, and judiciously examine all that concerns your art. Maturely weigh every advice that is offered to you, and afterwards make use of it as your judgment best directs. Disdain not to learn from an inferior. A bad dancer may, at times, have in his style of dancing something good that had previously escaped your notice. A middling figurant, or even a m a n utterly devoid of taste shall now and then give you salutary counsel. D o not fear rendering yourself importunate to your teacher by questions; reason freely with him upon the art you are acquiring: if you fall into an error, blush not to |