05 - Dancing Was Required

Dancing was an immensely popular social activity in the early 20th century, and proper dance floor etiquette was considered an important skill. Dancing was one of many elements of the physical education program at the Carl Curtis School, and all students were required to learn modern ballroom dancing. Students excelling in ballroom dancing were permitted to graduate to tap dancing. Mr. Curtis, well-known for his own dancing ability, personally supervised dance instruction at his school. Dance competitions were held annually, or more often, and loving cups, medals, and ribbons were awarded to the winning couples.