PALAIS DE DANSE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2258, 18 September 1914, Page 8

PALAIS DE DANSE

.PATRIOTIC OPENING NIGHT. The old Skating Rink in Ingcstre Street would in its present garb bo scarcely recognised by the skacers. of a couple of winters ago. During the past month the whole place has been transformed as by a touch of a fairy's wand, and where was once a bare iron ceiling, hardly veiled by a few strings of nondescript bunting, is a giant pergola of roses which absolutely shuts out any suggestion of the old bareness. This. transformation has ■ been effected ih the changing of tho rink .into a modern Palais do Dause, where the latest dances—the one-step, two-step, tango, American "fags,"- as well as the unkillable waltz may be indulged in nightly at a moderate outlay. To realise what a modem palace of dancing actually is, ..one has. to visit tho rejuvenated .promises in Ingcstre Street, inside tho building it is roses, rose, all the way. The ceiling has been entirely obscured by what appears to he something in the nature of Allah's suspended garden, but which on close inspection is a fine string netting sprinkled above with green moss, and .dappled -with artificiaJL-blooms_in_ ..all. tho colours of a summer garden. The same treatment has been accorded t'he "rose walks" that surround the dancing area.' -White lattice work has been introduced all round to give an.airy, fanciful touch .to the interior decoration, in admirable keeping with the lavish floral: display. The interior entrance doors have been set back, and rearranged tastefully, and overhead a large, space lias been fitted up ,as a ; Continental cafe, with a semi-circular booth,, and a regiment of small tables where dancers and spectators may refresh themselves as their various fancies dictate. Largo dressing-rooms have been provided for ladies and gentlemen, and a small rotunda is provided < for tho orchestra. The Palais de Dainse, which ffcitle will .identify the place for the future, i3'the thought of Mr. M: J. Donnelly; who secured the services of Mr. Henry 10. White,' the well-known theatre architect to design and carry out the' work. The Palais is to bo run on up-to-date lines, and opportunities • will be given to' tho public to gain a knowledge of tho latest fashionable ballroom dances from an efficient staff of conductors. ITho opening has been fixed for Monday evening next, when the whole of the proceeds will be presented by Mr.. Donnelly to the Patriotic Fund. Arrangements for the opening are now being made by the Entertainment Committee of tho Mayor's Patriotic Fund. A uniform charge,of admission of 2s. is to be made on the opening night.