An illustration of one in the eighteenth century
by August de l'Aubin (fig. 54) sufficiently shows their character.
There is nothing new in the postures illustrated, which may have
originated thousands of years ago. As illustrating the popular ball of
the period, the design by Hogarth (fig. 55) is an excellent contrast.
The _contredanse_ represented was originally the old country dance
exported to France and returned with certain arrangements added. This
is a topic we need not pursue farther, as almost every reader knows
what social dancing now is.
[Illustration: Fig. 57.--Spring dancing away from winter. From a
drawing by Watteau.]
[Illustration: Fig. 58.--The Misses Gunning dancing. End of the 18th
century, from a print by Bunbury, engraved by Bartolozzi.]
[Illustration: Fig. 59.--Dancing. Close of the 18th century. From
Derby ware.]
[Illustration: Fig. 60.--Spanish dance in the Hall of Saragoza, 19th
century.]
CHAPTER VI.
THE MODERN THEATRE DANCE.
Although the theatrical ballet dance is comparatively modern, the
elements of its formation are of the greatest antiquity; the chorus of
dancers and the performances of the men in the Egyptian chapters
represent without much doubt public dancing performances.
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