We have outlived the grim puritanical prejudice which condemned it as wrong, and it is generally agreed that there is almost a natural need for dancing as the expression of something very deep in human nature, which seems to be demonstrated by its appearance in one form or another, amongst all races of mankind.
There is something in co-ordinated rhythmical movement, in the grace of steps, in the buoyancy of beautiful dancing which seems to make it a very perfect exercise for children and young people.

But there are dances and dances, steps and steps, and about the really beautiful there is always a touch of the severe, and a hint of the ideal.

Without these, dancing drops at once to the level of the commonplace and below it.

In general, dances which embody some characteristics of a national life have more beauty than cosmopolitan dances, but they are only seen in their perfection when performed by dancers of the race to whom their spirit belongs, or by the class for whom they are intended: which is meant as a suggestion that little girls should not dance the hornpipe.
In conclusion, the question of play, and playtime and recreation is absorbing more and more attention in grown-up life.

We have heard it said over and over again of late years that we tire a nation at play, and that "the athletic craze" has gone beyond all bounds.