Social games and group dances

Front matter

I <

5 :

Mt. Pleasant Branch

Part I Chapter Page

I. Social Mixers and Acquaintance Games 15

II. Active Games of Tag 48

III. Parlor and House-party Games 66

IV. Games with Pencil and Paper 1x2

V. " Stunts " 122

Part II

Portland Fancy. French Reel. Circle Dance. Vineyard Dance. Pop Goes the Weasel. Ring Dance. How Do You Do? We Won't Go Home Till Morning. Virginia Reel. Country Dance. Cschbogar. Swedish Clap Dance. Bean Porridge. Barn Dance for Three. Dancing on the Green. Circle Bam Dance.

PART III Singing Games and Dances Especially Adapted

to Children 215

Swinging in the Swing. Jolly is the Miller. Did you Ever See a Lassie. Dance of Greeting. Greeting and Meeting. The Circus. Carrousel. Captain Jinks. Our Little Girls. The First of May. Hickory Dickory Dock. Ribbon Dance.

Part I

By J. C. ELSOM, M.D.

Introduction To Part I

The social value of the game, the play and the folk-dance is unquestioned; and, with this truth in view, the authors of this volume have endeavored to furnish some suggestions which shall serve as a working basis for the practice of these healthful activities. It has been our purpose especially to emphasize those games and dances which have seemed to us to contribute best to the social education of young people, and which furnish for them the most healthful forms of physical activity. In many instances there have been described plays and dances which may be given to large numbers at once ; and the authors have kept constantly in mind the furthering of social acquaintanceship among large groups of yomig people who have come together perhaps not only unacquainted, but unfamiliar with methods of promoting acquaintanceship. These methods have been tested successfully over and over again in groups of students and in miscellaneous gatherings of young people, and are especially suited for social "mixers," house-parties, picnics, for social settlements and the like.

No attempt has been made to give a large collection of games essentially suited to the g3minasium ; or of group- or team-games, because there is abun-

14 INTRODUCTION TO PART I

dant literature already existing descriptive of these activities. Neither have the games and dances been selected with special reference to young children, although many of them are suitable in this connection. Many of the methods described in this volume have been productive of admirable results in groups composed of people of var)ang ages, many of the interested participants being persons of middle life. In fact, we have come to believe that for all people — ^young and old — ^social activities are desirable, and that wholesome recreations contribute in large measure to the joy of living. In our busy American life, we are apt to overlook or neglect these activities ; and, from such neglect, we are convinced that our people are distinctly losing much that would add to their welfare, physical, mental and social. We believe that to " live happily ever afterward," we need to have developed in our youth an essentially social instinct, and that the development of this instinct will be a distinct asset to us all, whatever our age or calling or station in life may be.

J. C. Elsom.

The University of Wisconsin.

SOCIAL GAMES AND GROUP DANCES

PART I

Chapter I Social Mixers And Acquaintance Games

Social Values. — ^We are brought increasingly in these days to recognize the value of a cultivation of the social instinct. With few exceptions, this desire for intermingling with our fellows is strong in us all, and the social education is of utmost importance. If we are to be successful in any line of life's endeavors, we must constantly be thrown with our fellowmen, and must learn to be easy and natural in the presence of others. It is no mean accomplishment to be able to converse with ease, to convey our thoughts and feelings to others, and tactfully to meet our fellows in social intercourse. It is unfortunate that the veneer of artificiality so often exists in modern society and in our every-day dealings with our associates. We are not quite ourselves with our ** company manners," and our dress clothes; we too often seem to desire to appear what we are not.

We are Ourselves in Play — But in our play and In our games our most intimate characteristics and points of individuality show themselves. In plays which are natural, unrestricted and enjoyable we throw off all artificialities and abandon our pretense. A spirit of comradeship immediately takes possession of us in our games, and some of the most valuable social characteristics are developed. Groups of young people, thrown together for the first time, are apt to be stiff and tmnatural, strained in their feelings and formal in their outward expressions. Bas^hf ulness and uneasiness are often felt and shown ; but when a game is proposed and played with enthusiasm all is changed. Natural and unrestrained conduct now takes the place of formality and artificiality, and everybody has a " good time." Selfforgetfulness has been developed.

Purpose of Chapter. — It is proposed in this chapter to deal specifically with certain activities which have to do with promoting acquaintanceship and breaking down formality in rather large gatherings of young people, who have come together for social purposes. Among such occasions might be mentioned large house-parties, socials among highschool, college or university students; social gatherings of young people in church, lodge or social settlement, and in similar groups of whatever kind — in the home, the hall, or at the picnic.

Leadership. — The successful engineering of social " mixers " of this kind depends largely upon a committee who must consider and prepare a rather definite program, and upon a leader who must specifically direct the activities of the group. Much depends upon the qualifications and tact of the leader. He should himself possess the social instincts and be of easy address, and temperamentally free from formality. A spirit of comradeship and friendship is essential. He should tactfully lead in the activities, and not drive them. An overbearing and tactless leader in functions of this kind is worse than none at all.

Dividing the Company into Groups. — Presupposing that the " mixer " is to be held in a large hall or church parlor, it is well that each person, as he enters, be requested to write his name upon a small slip of paper or card, and this card should be worn so as to be easily seen. If it is desired to form small preliminary groups, some of the following methods may be used :

Birth Months. — In addition to the name, each writes on the card his birth month. When all have arrived and so " tagged " themselves, the leader should announce that around the hall have been arranged twelve large signs, bearing the names of the months of the year, and under these signs the people must group themselves according tO' the months in which they were born. It is announced that, without formal introduction, each is given the opportunity to become acquainted with the others. If one can explain why his particular month is more 2 desirable tihaii all the others, or why it is historically noted, so much the better. At least, a topic of conversation immediately presents itself, and that counts for something. After a sufficient period of time is given for this form of social activity, the leader should direct the groups to exchange visits. For instance, December might be urged to visit May, November to exchange greetings v^ith June, and blustery March to greet the greater calmness of August. By such interchange, the individuals in the group will have had opportunity for meeting each other.

Colors, etc. — A similar method is to tag each one as he enters with a bit of colored crepe paper. Around the room should be arranged large sheets of the various papers, under which the people group themselves. A similar interchange of visits between the different colors should be suggested.

States, Cities, Counties, etc — In the case of students who come from different states or counties, and who have not had occasion to meet each other, cards bearing the names of the different states may mark the location of the gathering places. A more inclusive method is to inscribe the cards with sections of the country, as New England, The South, The Rocky Mountain District, The Pacific Coast, &c. When many come from the same state, the division into counties is suggested, or even of streets or wards, in case many live in the same large city.

In all cases, however, there should be the opportunity to intermingle with other groups.

Acquaintance Cards and Signatures. — In combination with these plans, or as a separate method, the '*' acquaintance card " is a very efficient means of mutual introduction. To each person is handed, as he enters the room, a card of rather generous size, and the direction is given that he shall secure the signature of each person with whom he converses for one minute or longer. This scheme immediately sets all to work, and accomplishes its purpose very admirably. To introduce a little element of variety, and perhaps of fun, the cards may be printed in this fashion:

NAME

COLOR OF HAIR

COLOR OF EYES

PROBABLE AGE

1 DISPOSITION

The signature is secured from the person with whom converse is held, but the description mentioned is jotted down by the person holding the card, who need not confine himself strictly to the truth. The description of the probable disposition of the new acquaintance must be made by the use; of one adjective. The cards, with their miscellaneous data, may be retained as souvenirs of a very pleasant occasion.

Prizes. — ^In connection with this method, prizes may be awarded to those who secure the largest number of names. This adds zest to the quest for wider acquaintanceship. The prizes need not be elaborate; often it is better to present some trifling or ludicrous prize, which should be carefully wrapped, with the requirement that it be publicly opened at the proper time, and perhaps oratorically acknowledged by tihe winner. First and second prizes should be 'given to the men and' to the women w*ho secure the largest number of names, and a " booby " prize might be similarly awarded. The le^ader may quickly pick the winners by requesting those w'ho have a certain number of names (say twenty) to indicate that fact; then thirty, or forty, and so on, until finally the winner is found.

The " Mysterious Couple." — It is often the very simplest expedient that brings results. If there is given some topic of conversation, even if it be the weather, people immediately begin to talk and to become acquainted with each other. A common interest or a common topic of conversation is all that is needed to foster acquaintanceship ; and " one thing leads to another." The " Mysterious Couple " is one of these simple methods. The leader announces to the crowd that there is in the room a mysterious couple, who must be found by diligent inquiry. Any couple may be the " mysterious " ones — either a boy and girl, or two boys, or two girls. They are previously selected, and so informed; the trick is to find them. In order to do so, one must question every couple whom he sees together. The formula may be, '' Tell me, please, are you the mysterious couple ? " As the mysterious couple may not always be standing together, the finding process is not so easy; but the search must be made, the questions must be asked, and "mixing" must be done. Finally, when the couple is discovered, they must quietly acknowledge it, take the name of the discoverer, which is afterward announced, and perhaps a prize is awarded to the lucky one. Second and third prizes might be awarded. The couple, after having been " discovered " for the first time, immediately separate, and afterward court a second discovery.

The "Millionaire Friends." — K similar "mixing" sdheme has been tried with success by the author, which he has named the " Millionaire Friends." A couple, or couples, with the prize in their possession, are ready to deliver it to the first w'ho discovers their identity and their generosity. The committee provides a twenty-five-cent piece as a prize. Any other amount or any prize might be used The money prize is given to the couple who pose as the " millionaire friends," and of course these friends are eagerly sought, and discovered only after much questioning. The question to which they respond must be after the formula : " I ani in need of money and friends. Will you two people lend me a quarter ? " If the millionaire friends happen to be together, they reply : " On signing your name, the money will soon be delivered to you." The name is taken^ and later on the prize is publicly awarded. In order that the search may not terminate too soon, the couple must separate at first, afterward coming together. They may only award the prize when they happen to be together. In large crowds it would be well to have three or four couples, each willing to " lend " the money, if properly asked to do so. If three couples are selected — a boy and a girl, two boys, and two girls — ^the quest will be more interesting.

The " Mixing March."— One of the best methods of quickly and surely " mixing " young people is tih-e " Mixing March." It has always been, in the author's hands, productive of splendid results, and provokes much amusement. Two large circles are formed around the room, the boys making up the outside circle and the girls the inside. The leader stands in the center of the circles, and all face toward him. He commands, " Outside circle, face to the right ; inside circle face to the left ! " At the comman, " Forward, March ! " the boys thus march around in one direction, and the girls in the opposite direction, preferably to the music of the piano. When the piano stops playing, the circles must face

SOCIAL MIXEBS AND GAMES 23

each other, and each must talk without stopping, to the person he faces, for thirty seconds. When the music begins again, or other signal is given, the march must continue as before, When the music may suddenly stop. Then the conversation merrily begins. The pauses in the music should be frequent ; and it will be seen that each boy and girl secures a different conversational partner each time. It may be required that they shake hands, mention their names and deal with as great a variety of topics as may be disposed of in thirty seconds ; and even the dullest and most bashful person becomes less dull and more at ease under the stimulu<i of the Mixing March.

Tableaux and Poses. — After a given time spent in the " March," pleasing and ludicrous variations may be introduced by the leader, who may direct a so-called gymnastic drill. The following are a few suggestions :

The inner circle (the girls) faces toward the center. The leader may command somewhat as follows : " Right foot forward, place ! Forward, bend ! Left hand extended backward ! Right hand over fordiead ! " After these movements are given several times, the girls are at rest. These commands are then given to the boys, in the outer circle: " On the right knee, kneel! Arms upward, raise!" When the command " Tableau Position ! " is given, both lines assume the positions indicated in Fig. i, which rather ludicrously represents the rejection of a suitor. The total effect of the combined movements is striking and mirth-provoking.

A second taibleatii may be directed similarly as follows: The inner circle faces toward the men. The command is: "Left foot forward, knee bent! Forward bend! Right arm upward, raise!" To the men the command is given : *' Left foot forward, place! On the right knee, kneel! Right hand backward (on the floor), place! Left arm, flexed, upward raise ! " The positions fare illustrated' in Fig. 2, and re'present an Amazon in the act of striking down a Mere Man, who feebly attempts to protect himself.

A third tableau is similarly ordered, the girls being required to face the boys, and to kneel on both knees. At a given command, the boys place both hands on the heads of the kneeling girls, and repeat in unison: " Bless you, my child, bless you! " (Fig. 3). Similar tableaux may be given, as pointing and looking (Fig. 4), whispering and Hstening (Fig. 5), accusing (Fig. 6), expectancy (Fig. 7), contrition (Fig. 8).

The Alphabetical Mixer. — An admirable mixing device is this one, which presents a combination of good points. When each person arrives, he is given a rather generous-sized card, which he must wear prominently displayed; on the card is written or printed something like this :

FIG. 1. — KEJECTION

FIG. 2. STRIKING

FIG. 3. — "bless you, my CHILD" FIG. 4. — POINTING AND LOOKING o

HELP ME

SPELL A WORD

I HAVE THE LETTER

A

My Name is

For convenience and for small grouips perhaps only the large letter is necessary. The cards should bear different letters of the alphabet, with a generous proportion of ihe vowels, and as many sets of the letters of the alphabet provided as is warranted by the expected size of the company. It will be necessary to provide only a few of the less-used letters, such as X, Z, Q, etc.

The object of the mixer is to have members of the group select their word, find the persons wearing the necessary letters, and then keep together until the time comes for them to display their completed word. As the desirabl^^ letters are liable to be quickly appropriated by the various groups, there is need of some haste in finding the required ones, and attaching them to the special groups. When the words have been formed, each group displays its result by marching to the front of the room, or on a platform, where they stand in order. Then the word is spelled by having each member shout in order the name of his letter; then the whole group shouts the word in unison.

Certain rules may be made for the management of this mixer. For instance, no word which contains less than ten letters shall be allowed the group which displays a word may be required to rearrange themselves so as to spell a different word, using the same letters; or the word must begin and end with the same letter, and so on.

The program may be continued by requiring the groups to disband, and to seek other companions, who will assist tibem in spelling names of states, rivers or mountains; or by spelling words which pertain to agriculture, chemistry, engineering, astronomy, etc. ; and so the mixer may be varied in a number of entertaining ways.

The Concerted Sneeze. — A mirth^provoking experiment in any group of a, half -dozen up to a hundred or more is the " concerted sneeze." The

•vfl i

FIG. 7. — EXPECTANCY

FIG. 8. — "sir, you see a penitent BEFORE you"

leader divides the group approximately into three seictions, and directs that at his signal the first section shall sharply and quickly exclaim, ''Hish!" The second group likewise makesi use of the word, " Hash," and the third, " Hosh." He explains that he will raise his hands, and command : " One, tmo, three, sneeze! " Whem'his hands go down, the syllables are to 'be pronounced loudly and staccato, with a result that is surprisingly like a sneeze of generous and extensive proportions. It may be made even more realistic by having the first group exclaim, "Hishy," the second, " Hashy," and the third, " Hoshy."

A Church Mixer. — ^An effective method of entertaining and mixing a group of young people, used by a church society, is herewith given :

A large room was arranged with chairs, placed in pairs, to represent seats on a railway train, with an aisle between the double seats. The young people were required to be seated in couples, the boys next to the aisles, and the girls next to the " windows." To give realism to the program, some were dressed as country travelers, with umbrellas, suitcases, parcels, etc. The " Conductor," in uniform, punched the tickets and tore off the lower slip, marked " Exicursion Transportation." A newsboy with his papers and wares was at intervals much in evidence ; and the brakeman anrxounced the " stations " with frequency. At every station the men

A TRIP ACROSS THE CONTINENT EXCURSION TICKET

Tour Of The United States.

THE WISCONSIN

/(• Great I

The Wisconsin ADMIT ONE

Good for ONE LUNCH

Railway Eating House

Not ijood ifdeiaehed.

Good for

a personally conducted WALKING TRIP IN THE ROCKIES

Not good if detaclied.

Good for

TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE

Not good if detached.

STOP-OVER SIDE TRIP FOUR LAKES OF MADISON

Not good if detached.

Good for

TOUR OF PITTSBURG

TUNNEL NO. 3;

Not good if detached

ONE TRIP HORSESHOE FALLS.

Not good if detached.

Good for

EXCURSION TRANSPORTATION via

Baptist C.E. Railway

NU Good If Detached

Note: Numerous Guides Accompany Thia 1 Information, Ask The Guides were required to move forward one seat in the train ; thus there was a frequent change of traveling companions and opportunity was offered for acquaintanceship and conversation. i\f(ter a journey of thirty or forty minutes, Niagara was annoimced, when all passengers had to leave the train to see the wonderful " Horse Shoe Falls." In the gallery of the audience room of the church a guide called attention to the scenery, dropping a horse shoe to the floor 'below!

The " Tour of Pittsburgh " was down in the dark furnace-room of the church, with a glimpse into the glowing coals. In another room was arranged a stereopticon, and a lecturer exhibited a series of lantern slides representing local scenery and college happenings.

A " Trip to the Yellowstone '' was quickly completed, although in devious fashion, to see a large stone in the basement painted yellow; and the " Walking Trip in the Rockies " was Hkewise in the lower part of the building; many obstacles had to be crossed, narrow precipices passed, and a sudden climb to be made — altogether a cleverly arranged obstacle race. The lunch served was typical of railway eating-houses; and the conclusion of the program consisted of a musical and histrionic performance on an improvised stage in another part of the building. ^

Entertainments in great number of a similar so SOCIAL GAMES

character might be arranged. The whole object of such programs should be to afford plenty of innocent fun and amusement, and to provide abundant opportunities for acquaintanceship, easily and naturally brought about.

A Musical Mixer. — A pleasing variation of the mixing scheme is to give to each of the young people as they arrive a slip of paper bearing the name of some familiar song. Among these songs may be mentioned " Suwanee River," " Old Black Joe," " Annie Laurie," " America," " Drink to Me only with Thine Eyes," " MarcJhing Through Georgia," " Home, Sweet Home," " John Brown's Body," " Dixie," etc., etc. As early as possible, each one must mix with the crowed and find his co-partners in song, who shall group themselves in a particular part of the room, and when called upon by the leader they must present their musical selection. In this way ea^:h group exhibits its musical abilities, and prizes may 'be awarded to those who render their selection in the best form. Finally, the leader may direct certain groups to sing at once, and then all the groups to sing their separate songs at the same time ; and the resulting " confusion of tongues " may be imagined. Two groups, however, one singing *' Solomon Levi " and the other " The Spanish Cavalier," may do so in musical concord. As a part of this scheme, in addition to the song specified, a musical instrument may be designated; and when the singing is called for, the song must be given with imitations of the special musical instrument which has been assigned.

Matching Poetry, Advertisements, Proverbs, etc.

— An excuse for " mixing " is readily given by certain matching schemes, which demand, of course, some preparation on the part of the committee or •the hostess. One of the easiest of these is to cut advertisements out of newspapers and magazines. These are cut or torn into two parts. One half of each advertisement is given to a boy, the other half to a girl. A sufficient number must be prepared to accommodate all those who are expected to be present. Each mem,ber must seek to find the person who has the other half of his advertisement. To the first one who has found his partner may be given a prize or other form of recognition; or they may be partners for seats at refreshment tables, or otherwise, according to the program of the evening.

Other forms of matching may be used in similar manner. Familiar proverbs may be written on slips and divided into two parts, the halves to be given to different people who must seek each other. Verses of poetry ma}^ be used in like manner, the lines divided and distributed among the crowd.

Bean Penalties. — Another effective and amusing way of furnishing an excuse for mixing is the following : About a dozen beans or grains of com are given to each person in the party. At a suitable time the explanation of the " Bean Penalties " is made to the whole group. According to the rules, no one is allowed to say " yes " or " no " during the conversation and " mixing " that follows ; if he does so, he has to give up a bean to the person who has forced him to say " yes " or " no." The game consists in trying to catch as many persons as possible by making them use the forbidden words. Each one has to look out that he does not lose his own beans while tr^nng to win them from others. After fifteen or twenty minutes a prize may be given to the person who has gathered the largest harvest of beans, and a booby prize presented to the one who has lost all or most of his own.

Solemn and Jolly. — This method of breaking down barriers of formality is effective. The company is divided into two equal groups, preferably all boys in one, all girls in the other. If the size of the room permits, they should stand in lines facing each other. There must be a leader, who must also be timekeeper. At his signal each boy will begin to make the girl who stands opposite him smile. He may attempt some ludicrous action, or say some amusing thing, or adopt any legitimate means to excite a smile from his vis-h-vis. Only fifteen seconds is allowed for the trial. The girls, meantime, must keep sober, solemn faces; if any girl smiles, she must immediately come over to the side of the boys. The boys and girls take turns in this per-

SOCIAL MIXERS AND GAMES S3

formance, which is a pretty severe test of one's self-control. After a time-limit of four or five minutes, that side wins which contains the largest number of persons, and which has secured most captives.

Self-Introductions. — This is a splendid game to familiarize a company with the names of the individuals who compose the group. They should be seated around the room. One arises and says, " I am glad to meet you all ; my name is Smith.'' The one on his right then arises and says : " I am glad to know you, Mr. Smith; my name is Jones.'* The next says : " Glad to meet you, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones; I am Miss Brown." The next in turn sa3rs: " I am so glad to meet Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones and Miss Brown; my name is Johnson." Thus each mentions the irame of each person in turn, and finally gives his own name. The task of remembering constantly becomes harder as the self -introductions progress, and for a larger company than twenty or thirty it is somewhat difficult.

Follow the Leader. — The game of " Follow the Leader " lends itself to almost limitless variation. It may be made simple or difficult, according to the character of the participants. Below are given some variations which have been used successfully in a group of three hundred summer-school students, most of them teachers, and all of them men and women of considerable maturity. It is necessary to have a leader, and very desirable to have a piano or s music of some sort. The company is formed into line and instructed to follow accurately the movements and the course of the leader. These movements may be as follows :

1. Walk, directing course around room, with turns, reverses and zig-zag movements.

2. Walk backward ; sideways ; with a limp.

3. Walk on heels, toeing in ; high on tip-toes.

Fig. 9.

4. Walk, arms extended forward; sideways; upward.

5. At every third step, stoop as if picking up an object.

6. Walk with a movement to imitate reaping, right and left.

7. Clap hands twice with each step of foot.

8. The " Indian look," right and left (Fig. 9).

9. Skip sideways.

10. Sit down. Sing some familiar song; hum the same.