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Show 70 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. tional ornament of the arms ; and thus exempt themselves from the labour which so important a study requires. W h e n the arms accompany each movement of the body with exactitude, they may be compared to the frame that sets off a picture. But if the frame is so constructed as not to suit the painting, however well done this last may be, its whole effect is unquestionably taken away. Even so is it with a dancer : for what gracefulness soever he may display in the performance of his steps, unless his arms be lithsome, and in strict harmony with his legs, his dance can have no spirit nor liveliness; and he presents the same insipid appearance as a painting out of its frame, or in one not at all adapted to it. Should you not be favoured with well made rounding arms, you cannot bestow too much attention on them ; and endeavour to supply by art what nature has left you defective in. Diligent study and exercise often render a thin, long angular arm, tolerably round and elegant. Learn also to hold them as best accords with your physical construction. If you are short in stature let them be higher than the general rule prescribes, and if tall let them be lower. A good dancer should omit nothing that may tend to remedy or conceal his personal defects. It is one of those necessary accomplishments to which the mind of every one who desires to become a skilful artist ought to be directed. Take care to make your arms so encircling that the points of your elbows may be imperceptible. From a want of proper attention in this respect, they are deprived of all softness and elegance; and instead of presenting to the eye, fine oblique or circular lines, (see fig. 1,4, 5, plate I.) they exhibit nothing but a series of angles, destitute of taste and gracefulness, (see plate III, fig. 1, 2, o), unpleasing to the spectator, and by imparting |
