THE EURHYTHMICS OFJAQUES-DALCROZE

[Pg. 5]Παςγαρὁβιοςτουανθρωπουευρυθμιαςτεκαιευαρμοστιαςδειται

"Rhythmische Gymnastik" is the name by which the Dalcroze method isknown in Germany, but whether or not the German words are adequate,their literal translation into English certainly gives too narrow anidea of the scope of the system to any one unacquainted with it.Rhythmical "gymnastics," in the natural meaning of the word, is a partof the Dalcroze training, and a not unimportant part, but it is only oneapplication of a much wider principle; and accordingly, where the termoccurs in the following pages, it must be understood simply as denotinga particular mode of physical drill. But for the principle itself andthe total method embodying it, another name is needed, and the term"Eurhythmics" has been here coined for the purpose. The originality ofthe Dalcroze method, the fact that it is a discovery, gives it a rightto a name of its own: it is because it is in a sense also therediscovery of an old secret that a name has been chosen of such plainreference and derivation. Plato, in the words quoted above, has saidthat the whole of a man's life stands in need of a right rhythm: and itis natural to see some kinship between this Platonic attitude and theclaim of Dalcroze that his discovery is not a mere refinement ofdancing, nor an improved method of music-teaching, but a principle thatmust have effect upon every part of life.

John W. Harvey.