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Show 94 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. sors is very small, as nearly all those who are not distinguished by their practice are incapable of producing a finished dancer. A master, to w h o m long exercise and experience have given views beyond the common track of custom, before he commences teaching a young pupil, will always examine whether his construction is suited to the attitudes and motions of dancing ; and, whether, as he increases in growth, he will possess an elegant shape, a graceful mien, and perfect pliancy in his limbs ; for, without these natural gifts and dispositions towards making a rapid progress in the study, the scholar will neither acquire skill nor reputation. " Se adeguata Non avra la figura, non imprenda Un' arte si gentile e delicata." RICCOBONI. A famous actor used to say that it was impossible to excel on the stage, without the assistance of nature. These words, which experience itself dictated, are replete with truth. The age of eight years is the best time of life for commencing the first rudiments of dancing; the young learner soon comprehends the demonstrations of his preceptor, who, being then perfectly enabled to judge of his physical powers, instructs him to much greater advantage. As soon as the master has prepared his pupil by the first exercises, he should immediately make him study the lesson14; then perfect him in the terns d'Ecoie in the principal steps of dancing, and afterwards point out, and make him practise the kind of performance best adapted to his disposition, physical construction, and sex. M e n must dance in a manner very different from women; the terns de vigtteur, and bold majestic execution of the former, would have a disagreeable effect in the latter, |