OPERATIC DANCING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 227, 24 September 1940, Page 10

OPERATIC DANCING.

EXAMINER ARRIVES. " KEEPING ARTS PROGRESSING." " Our aim is to improve the standard of dancing and set a definite technique, as practised by the famous dancing schools of Europe," said Miss Lorraine Norton, of Sydney, children's examiner of the Royal Academy of Dancing, London, who lias arrived in New Zealand to examine the children's grades. " The preliminary membership examination for the. Royal Academy is also to be held, tliis being the equivalent of the 'cap and gown' for music," Miss Norton added. These examinations were the sixth to be held in this country, and there were 000 entries, which constituted a record, and was especially gratifying in view of the troubled times, she continued.

With regard to the effect of the war on operatic dancing in , Australia, Mies Norton said that so far it had been scarcely noticeable. The recent visit of the Russian Ballet to Australia had given a groat impetus to dancing 'there, and it had also made, the public, in both Australia and Xew Zealand, more "da nee-conscious" and more appreciative of the art. There was a hope. Miso Xorton said, that Madame Adelaide Genee, president of the Royal Academy of Dancing, would be able to come out to New Zealand to judge the bi-annual major examinations, which were due next year. " Dancing in this country has improved greatly since the inauguration of these examinations, and I have found enthusiasm here to be just as great as in Australia. It is especially important in these days that we. keep the cultural arts progressing," she concluded. Mise Norton is on her second visit to New Zealand, and she will spend two months here, conducting examinations in most of the larger cities.