WELCOME HOME DANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 1, 22 August 1944, Page 6

WELCOME HOME DANCE

GAY EDGECUMBE GATHERING

POPULAR NOVELTY PROGRAMME A lestive atmosphere prevailed at Edgecumbe Hall 011 Tuesday night when it was packed to capacity with dancers from all parts ol' the district. The hall had been gaily decorated with .streamers, fern and Chinese lanterns while the words ''Welcome Home" formed in pink and white dowers formed a most artistic decoration across the stajje. Cowls of flowers and fern were banked along the footlights. The floral effects, -we.ro in the capable hands of Mrs J. Neilsen and tho committee. The Premier Dance Band played old time and modern numbers m excellent style, responding generous* ly to encores. A special feature of the evening were dance solos by Madame Undine Clark. These were, a unique enters tainment —in that nothing of the kind has ever been seen in the district before. With swirling frills and lace mantilla Madame Undine performed two Spanish dances of the Andalusian type (a) Panadcros and (b) Peteneros. The spirited Spanish music and the click of castanets added a characteristic "verve" to these numbers.

Later Madame Undine gave a Hungarian National dance the Csardas. In Hungarian costume, the dancer made a most picturesque ligure and received an ovation of applause from the large audience. The -music for this dance, was by JMont-i.

Madame Undine's linal item was a Javanese dance to music by Ravel. In exotic Javanese costume of black and gold net with gold head dress, this was very striking. The gracefully rythmic movement of body, arms and hands was u Joy to bo*

hold. It is dill'ieuit to adequately describe such harmony of colour, music and grace as Madame. Undine's performance was. It was poetry in motion, and emotion, from the brilliance and dash of the Spanish and Hungarian, to the langourous grace of the. East.

Madame Undine's accompaniments were played by Mrs E. Goodwin to whom are due tlve special thanks of the organising committee. Only such an accomplished pianiste as Mrs Goodwin could have lilled such an exacting role, being called upon at exceedingly short notice and to her must, be given crcdit that the dance solos were so successful.

Special items were provided by Mrs Patience's class. First the Des-r

tiny waltz, an old favourite. Tliefn a Quickstep, which was delightful to watch and convincing proof that modern dances can be graceful and pleasing when correctly danced.

A special novelty item then was presented J)y Mrs Carter who sang the "Tales. from the Vienna Woods" waltz song, whilst the class danced the, Viennese waltz. Very popular was this number, Mrs Carter's voice being heard to advantage over the amplifier. A further item was given, the Modern Waltz, alter which Madame Undine awarded trophies as iollows: Medals to Miss M. Black and Mr G. Crang for the Modern Waltz With Miss P. Carter and Mr W. Howat as runncrs-up. To Miss Carter and Mr Howat medals for the Quickstep with Miss A. Woouberry and Mr J. Pliileox as runners-up.

Madame Undine congratulated the. dancers on their excellent performance and said they reflected great credi- on Mrs Patiences coaching.

A "popular couple" compel] lion was run in connection with these exhibition dances which was won by Miss. P. Carter and Mr W. Howat and brought in over 3MU to the Wel-> come Home Fund. A small gilt was made to the winning couple. During the supper interval Mrs Patience's clans presented her with a lovely vase as a token oi' gratitude for her work in coaching them. During the evening three men on furlough wore welcomed homo. Mr D. lladclilTe on behalf of the committee and residents of lidgeriimbc extended a hearty welcome home to Pte. G. Hamilton, L Udr Armstrong and L.A.C. S. J. Snelling. He wished them a pleasant and happy v leave and only trusted U'-ey might never have to be sent overseas again. The men replied briefly thanking the committee and supporters for many par-eels received whilst they had been overseas and for the warm we,iconic home. Mr K. Civil was also presented with the customary cheque from the Welcome. Hume Com mil lee. An excellent supper was then served ai:d dancing continued until a late hour. A competition vahu'-d at £.") was won by Mr CauHieH. All voted the. dancv a- being

one of the most successful functions ever held in Edgecumbe both from an entertainment as well as> a social point of view. Mr J. Russell was as usual a most capable M.C. whilst Freddie Burt's handling of announcements over the microphone was humorous and characteristically bright. Votes of thanks were arcorded the committee and Mrs Patience to -whose untiring effort the success of the evening was ia'-ge'.y due.