Dancer's Death

ARMY & NAVY

Though they may have been bruised by the brass buttons down the front of the cadet dress uniform, most young ladies agree that West Pointers are among the world's best dancers. Responsible for the high quality of dancing at the Military Academy for the past 52 years was Rudolph W. Vizay. Last week the national colors were half-staffed at West Point and his old pupils the world over mourned the passing of 77-year-old Dancing Master Vizay, who died at the Academy hospital following a heart attack.

Since West Point is an institution dedicated to turning out not only capable Army officers but also polished gentlemen, "dancing and ball room etiquette" is one of the first courses in which a plebe is instructed. If he cannot pass minimum dancing requirements the first year, he keeps on plodding around with the "elephant squad" until he can. Dancing Master Vizay--"The Professor" to his charges--spent four months every year at the Academy, where his father had taught dancing before him, was a stickler for erect carriage, measured glide and strict ballroom decorum. Off duty, he was a great favorite with the Point's baseball fans. His encyclopedic knowledge of the affairs of the major leagues complemented an equally amazing acquaintance with vital statistics of the American Association. ''The Professor" was for many years during the summer months the road secretary of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was also onetime president of the American Society of Teachers of Dancing. "Professor" Vizay's idea of a good dancer was General John Joseph Pershing--"one of the best in his class."

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