The custom of dancing sardanas did not resist, on the other hand, the seduction exercised there. Perhaps it was more comfortable and friendly than the Ciutadella park, although the latter offered other qualities, such as the plant environment and the protective kiosk for the cobla, especially in case of rain.
This popular dance did not take long to gain followers as soon as the innovative music of composers provided melodies and rhythms that drove and facilitated the fast following.
It is also necessary to take into account the particularities offered by the circle, especially at that time. It was a free meeting point that needed no introduction, no recommendations. The only requirement was to know how to dance with a minimum of success so as not to create difficulties for others. To join the circle, it was enough to place yourself in a spot that did not break the mandatory alternation of genders (girl-boy), which was only tolerated if there were no women or men. This was the basic rule; neither social status nor age had any relevance, on the contrary.
The photograph shows what we have said: they rule the elegant hats, whether bowlers or not, but there is also the plate cap of an official and a simple menswear cap. So far, only one woman: it was not common.
This dance encouraged making tricks; it was exciting, as no more concession could be dreamed of. The contact of the hands was necessary and served to communicate technical information about the piece performed. In each circle there was a person who counted and distributed the exact steps that had to be marked.
It was a point not only of meeting, but also of love. The correspondence between the musician Toldrà and his friend Capdevila, centered in this context, provides details of the curious atmosphere that reigned there and that even tyrannized the couples.
The Franco dictatorship did not grant permission to dance sardanas again until six in the afternoon on a significant July 18, but 1943.
