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pygmalion
04-18-2004, 09:58 AM
I got this list from the UK (University of Kentucky) Hepcats swing Dance web site.
I think you may enjoy.

http://www.uky.edu/StudentOrgs/HKSDC/1925Rules.html

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Governing Dance Halls, City of Cleveland [circa 1925]

*Section 8 of Ordinance No. 20456-A:


1. Vulgar, noisy Jazz music is prohibited. Such music almost forces dancers to use jerky half-steps and invites immoral variations.

2. Male dancers are not permitted to hold their partners tightly; generally this is the fault of the gentleman's partner. Both dancers should assume a light, graceful position.

3. Partners are not permitted to dance with cheeks close or touching. When dancers put their cheeks together it is simply a case of "public love-making."

4. So-called "neck-holds" are prohibited. The gentleman's arm should encircle his partner's waist, his hand resting lightly at her spine, just above the waist line; the lady's left arm should not encircle the gentleman's shoulder or neck.

5. So-called "shimmy" dancing is shaking or jerking of the upper body, while taking short steps, or standing still, and will not be tolerated. Short side steps, first right, then left, when done continuously, are not conducive to refined dancing, and will not be permitted. Teachers should not teach any steps or movements which cannot be controlled.

6. Dancers are not permitted to take exceptionally long or short steps. The proper dancing step should be the same as the natural walking one, except in exhibition dancing, which belongs to the stage and not to the ballroom.

7. Don't dance from the waist up; dance from the waist down.

8. Suggestive movements are not permitted.

9. Dancers are not permitted to copy the extremes that are now used on the modern stage.

10. Anyone carrying intoxicating liquor on their person into any dance hall, will be ejected from the hall and arrested.

11. Raffling of any kind is prohibited, and raffle tickets must not be sold.

12. Flirting, spooning and rowdy conduct of any kind, is absolutely prohibited.

13. The announcing of prospective dances to be held, is not permitted, except by permission of the management of the dance at which such announcement is made.

14. Smoking in the room reserved for dancing, is not permitted.

15. Expectorating on the floor is prohibited. Persistent violators of this provision are subject to arrest and ejection from the hall.

16. All men must remove their hats while in the dance hall.

17. Indecent, profane or vulgar language will not be tolerated.

18. Dance Halls must be kept clean, healthful, well ventilated and sanitary. All stairways, exits and passageways to rooms connected with the dance hall, must be kept open and well lighted.

19. "Moonlight" dances are not permitted, unless there is sufficient light in the building so that the patrons can be easily seen.

20. Gentlemen must wear coats while dancing. During the hot summer months, shirtwaists must be worn with full-length sleeves, cuff links fastened and belt.

By orders of, CHARLES P. JOHNSON, CITY DANCE HALL INSPECTOR

Danish Guy
04-18-2004, 11:28 AM
14. Smoking in the room reserved for dancing, is not permitted.


Yeahh


18. Dance Halls must be kept clean, healthful, well ventilated and sanitary. .....


I often miss this part

Sagitta
04-18-2004, 11:43 AM
My 12 words on the subject:

Some regulations are good, but too many are never a good thing.

pygmalion
04-18-2004, 11:45 AM
Um. This document was written in 1925. 8) Some things have changed quite a lot, and some not at all. :? 8)

Sagitta
04-18-2004, 11:54 AM
Verry true. :)

Genesius Redux
04-18-2004, 12:23 PM
And all that Jazz.... :lol:

MapleLeaf Salsero
04-19-2004, 01:10 PM
2. Male dancers are not permitted to hold their partners tightly;
AHHH! :wink: :wink:

Swing Kitten
04-19-2004, 05:33 PM
:shock:

this one's my favorite
"6. Dancers are not permitted to take exceptionally long or short steps. "

ROTF

pygmalion
04-19-2004, 05:53 PM
How about #7?. Don't dance from the waist up; dance from the waist down.


What does that mean? :shock: :lol:

Sarah
04-19-2004, 07:26 PM
15. Expectorating on the floor is prohibited. Persistent violators of this provision are subject to arrest and ejection from the hall.


This one seems reasonable.


20. Gentlemen must wear coats while dancing. During the hot summer months, shirtwaists must be worn with full-length sleeves, cuff links fastened and belt.


I note it says nothing about trousers. This could be taken to mean that a gold-sequinned g-string would be perfectly acceptable, as long as the gentleman was also wearing coat, fastened cufflinks, and a belt.

Cheers
Sarah

pygmalion
04-19-2004, 07:30 PM
ROTFL! :lol: :lol: :lol:

etchuck
04-19-2004, 08:16 PM
It's rules like these that help create the "American style of dance", eh? :lol:

jon
04-19-2004, 08:34 PM
20. Gentlemen must wear coats while dancing.I note it says nothing about trousers.

At my undergraduate school, the "shirt and tie required" for dinner was dropped after some people wore exactly that (well before my time, that was a 60s stunt).

johnnywalker
04-20-2004, 12:22 AM
7. Don't dance from the waist up; dance from the waist down.

Does this mean you have to dance like Michael Flatly (Lord of the Dance)?

pygmalion
04-20-2004, 08:10 AM
20. Gentlemen must wear coats while dancing.I note it says nothing about trousers.

At my undergraduate school, the "shirt and tie required" for dinner was dropped after some people wore exactly that (well before my time, that was a 60s stunt).

:lol: :lol: :lol:

cocodrilo
04-20-2004, 08:28 AM
WOW! We just had an earthquake here! :o
Pygmalion, that's hilarious! :lol: