But little attention has been given to a higher and more careful development where no impairment of function exists. Any such attempt in an educational way would meet with little success on account of the tedious and laborious methods in use, but if presented in an attractive form the value would promptly become apparent.
In dancing we have just such a system for the development of our lost power of control, presented in a form that is not only attractive, but extremely fascinating to many. No actual observation has yet been made to determine whether or not, in certain diseases, dancers retain more power and control over their own bodies than do non-dancers. But it is reasonable to assume that if a dancer were afflicted with a disease that impaired the powers of movement his affliction would inconvenience him decidedly less than if his powers had not been previously so well developed. He would in all probability lose many of the more intricate movements, but the ordinary movements necessary to every-day comfort would probably not be hampered. It all hinges on the old principle that if one must jump three feet it is well to be prepared to jump six feet, so that when the actual test arrives the result is a foregone conclusion.
But I do not wish to dwell on morbid possibilities when there is a cheerful reality so close at
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