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DANCE/HISTORY
Dance Hall Regulations From the 1930S Make for a Good Laugh in 2022
Depression-era humor
Partners are not permitted to dance with their cheeks too close or touching. When dancers put their cheeks together it is simply a case of
“public lovemaking”.
The Rules and Regulations governing dance halls — city of Cleveland.
I recently took a bus tour of some historical places in Cleveland, Ohio. One such place was the Aragon Ballroom. It’s a beautiful dance hall from the Depression Era and is slated to be restored by the city.
These regulations were posted at the entrance.
Vulgar, noisy, jazz music is prohibited. Such music almost forces dancers to use jerky half steps and invites immoral variations.
Dancers are not permitted to copy the extremes that are now used on the modern stage.
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.
The Rules and Regulations governing dance halls — city of Cleveland.
