BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Oct 14 - 04:33 AM

I would trust Ned Sherrin. Loved his radio programmes.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 05:24 PM

According to the "Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations Third Edition", Compiled by Ned Sherrin, published in 2005, "[Dancing is] a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire." is attributed to George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) in "New Statesman 23 March 1962".

Note that this citation is after his death so take it FWIW.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mr Red
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 04:20 PM

Not heard it credited to Oscar. Definitely heard it credited to GBS as perpendicular.
I have seen (TV) John Betjamin deny that the quote was his, though he obviously used it.
Oscar did say, on one occasion, "My I wish I'd said that" to which James McNeil Whistler replied "Oh, you will Oscar, you will!"
Oscar said many things but then so did GBS
FWIW my favourite from GBS confirms my contention that the word "no" kills creativity:
"People who say it can't be done should not interrupt those who are doing it"

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 20 Oct 14 - 10:17 AM

I always understood it to be Oscar Wilde.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 07:18 PM

What Dudley Moore always said: all women are the same height. Near enough.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 03:49 PM

I can't believe GBS would have said 'perpendicular' - it doesn't make sense. Perpendicular to what?

Splendid band, worth dancing to.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mr Red
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 05:28 AM

many thanks, I like the misquote angle. So GBS wins again, by a short head. But I am right to say vertical/Frost.
This is about a T-Shirt I had made. The Contra Band have one with fancy dictionary style text, mind is a visual pun. FWIW it is here which by good fortune and not design (or desire) suits either version of the quotation.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 12:55 PM

Apparently Frost misquoted Shaw, is the way it actually went.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 12:34 PM

"Dancing is naval engagement without loss of seamen".. better when said aloud.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 10:50 AM

Given the option, I'd go with GBShaw, who said everything else and pronounced it success.

But I will ask my old literary relatives.

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 10:01 AM

Tap dancing???

Subject: RE: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: GUEST,#
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 09:52 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIx7EyqlqVY

Something to listen to while searching.

Subject: BS: who? vertical/perpendicular expression?
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Oct 14 - 03:35 AM

Now here's a conundrum. Looking for the source of the quote:

"Dancing is the vertical expression of horizontal desire"

The first web reference I found credited Robert Frost the American Poet.

But there is a contra dance band called "Vertical Expression" and a band member insisted it was George Bernard Shaw. It is the kind of thing he would say but .......

My problem is that I am sure they both said such and my first encounter (from radio and I think credited GBS) was the quote:

"Dancing is the perpendicular expression of horizontal desire made legal by music"

Now can anyone with a dictionary of quotations put a firmer stance on this? With the best will in the world and without Wiki on this one, I am struggling.
The web in general is not helpful enough, there are a lot of opinions backed up by conviction and little else.

TIA