TOWN HALL CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 6

TOWN HALL CONCERT

Fitness Week was advanced a further stage on Saturday night when an "International" Concert was held in the Town Hall. It consisted mainly of excellent physical culture displays, while the international flavour was supplied by various national folk dances and recreations. Due, no doubt, to the unfavourable weather, the hall was far from full, but ,those present were a highly interested and appreciative audience. Miss Jean Menzies opened the programme hy singing the popular Waltz song "Vilia," and this was followed by a display of fencing by members of the Wellington Swords Club and the Jenkins Swords Academy. Quickness of eye, neat footwork, and perfect co-ordination ''of mind and muscle were displayed by the swordsmen, who demonstrated the differing techniques used with the sabre, the foil, and the epee.

Miss L. Kettlewell gave a vigorous modern German dance, and was succeeded by something much more vigorous, a display of gymnastics and balancing by members of Mr. Alf. Jenkns's Gym. These members defied all normal laws of equilibrium and exhibited almost superhuman strength and agility. Under the direction of Miss Dorothy Daniels, a troupe of gaily-costumed juvenile dancers performed a lively Hungarian ballet, presenting a delightful spectaclel as they danced t]je intricate movements with precision* and youthful vim.

The Otaki Maori Party were outstanding in their interpretation of the rhythmic poi dance, and they also gave two weJl-sung action songs, which were very popular with the audience. Members of the English Folk-dancing Society demonstrated the delicate charm, of some 'of the old English folk dances, and the delightful musical ac-v companiment enhanced their appeai. Other excellent items of physical culture and dancing were given by Miss P. Bates (an amusing "posture" monologue), and members of the Kenneth J. Webb gymnasium, in pyramids, etc. Gymnasts from the V.M.C.A. performed cleverly on the parallel bars. Members of the Y.W.C.A. gave ari interesting demonstration of the "Margaret Morris Movement Dance," a new form of physical culture, and. Miss Caroline Ward and members of the League of Health and Beauty presented an impressive display of physical exercises. Miss Ward also gave a solo Greek dance. Messrs. K. Fujitsufka and S. Tada gave an instructive display of jiu-jitsu, and Mr. Ken Webb amazed everyone with his feats of strength. Pupils of Miss bHazel Martin _ in beautiful costumes, danced a dainty ballet, and the V.M.C.A. presented,a group of

statuary, illustrating various sports. The final item and one of the most | popular was an excellent "slapstick" clown act by members of Jenkins's Gym.

The concert was presided over by Captain J. A. Duffy. |