St François de Sales (1567-1622), who had a penchant for writing treatises for the edification of aristocratic women, is sometimes regarded as one of the more indulgent saints. Modern commentators eagerly point out that he countenanced dancing.
Well, up to a point. “Games, balls, feasts, pageants, and plays, in themselves are in no wise evil, but indifferent,” François wrote, “it being possible for them to be carried out well or ill.”
For himself, he preferred to stress the negative aspects. “Such things are always dangerous,” he reckoned, “and to indulge an affection for them is contrary to devotion, and extremely hurtful.
