GERTRUDE LAWRENCE
In other words, the hands give expression or emphasis to the thought that it is desired to convey, both in speaking and in the pantomime of the dance and the screen.
Learn, therefore, to use your hands correctly in every dance. There is an idea to be put across in every step from your entrance—your first greeting to your audience—through the measured cadence of your dance steps, to the final exit—your appeal for approval. While you acquire the necessary dance steps to make you a perfect dancer, also learn the hand and arm movements that complement your steps and perfect the picture into its most pleasing possibilities, movements that shall develop the idea of the dance you are portraying and carry it across the footlights.
As soon as you get command of your foot work and master the technical steps of your routine, put your hands and arms into action and develop their connection with your dancing steps so that both shall coördinate as one, and thus your dance will grow into a complete and perfect expression in the easiest way.
Do not neglect your hand-action. It is a positive necessity to successful dancing, and the time to give it attention is while you are learning the rudiments of your art. This work is taught in the Ned Wayburn Modern Americanized Ballet Technique.
