Project Editor: Aaron Hillyer, English 418/818, Fall 2005

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GIRL GYMNASTS

Pretty Exhibition by the University Physical Department

All the available space of the university armory was crowded last night with delighted spectators of the eighth annual exhibition by the young women of the department of physical training. In all respects it was the prettiest entertainment yet given by that department. Each year the body of girls seems a little more graceful and agile. Two hundred in all took part last evening, and their easy natural movements were most attractive. Following the usual custom the classes were distinguished by their ties. All wore the dark blue gymnasium suits but the member of the advanced classes had huge white ties, and the first year classes fluffy pink or blue bows. In the drill work of the Swedish gymnastics about 150 were on the floor at one time, alternating in close lines of pink and blue. The effect from the gallery was charming, and the girls seemed like nodding flowers. That and the Swedish folk dances in costume were the prettiest exercises.

The apparatus work was most interesting. The agility with which the young women climbed the ropes and ladders and their high jumping was a revelation to many of the spectators. Their strength of lung and ability to shriek lustily to cheer the leaders in the relay race, made the hit of the evening. Many older people confessed that it was with an effort that they refrained from joining in the cheers.

The class exercises had different leaders, but the whole was supervised by the director, Miss Anne Barr, who by years of careful work, has gradually developed the department to its present perfection of training. The exhibition gave an attractive picture of health, strength and grace, but only the directors and those intimately concerned know the physical disabilities that have been overcome through intelligent and scientific exercise. The students are examined on entering the university, and a course of physical training is prescribed according to the individual needs. By patience and perseverence, positve deformities are often almost eradicated.

The university cadet band with Mr. Earl Wehn as leader, played a number of stirring strains between the exercises which were given in this order:

• Music — Two step, Smokey Mokes.


• Bar bells — Leader, Miss Whiting.


• Dumb bells — Leader, Miss Spruck


• Music — Overture, William Tell.


• Indian clubs — Leader, Miss Whiting


• Swedish gymnastics — By commands.


• Music — Waltz


• Apparatus work — Parallel bars, jumping flying rings, travelling rings, Swedish ladder, rope climbing, horse.


• Marching and fencing position — Leader Miss Spruck


• Foil fencing — Miss Whiting, Miss Muir.


• Ball drill — Leader, Miss Heaton.


• Music — Dance.


• Relay race between three first-year classes.


• Old Swedish "folk dansen" (in provincial costumes).


• Mass drill.