DANCE RECITAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4477, 9 October 1922, Page 2

DANCE RECITAL.

A PEEP INTO FAIRYLAND. “O Fairyland, O Fairyland.” In dreams I can picture thy silvery strand, Where little folks revelled the whole night thro’ By the light of the moon and the stars so blue, .They hurried.-to bed in the morning dew, O, Fairy-land. If there are such things as fairies, well, we certainly had them with us in the Central Theatre oh Thursday night. They fluttered in and out of the screens, capered and frollicked about the stage, until you had to pinch yourself to know if) you were alive. The occasion was a dance recital by the pupils of Miss Clare Smales and Miss Minnie Lipsey. The stage was appropriately decorated for the occasion with flags palms, cabbage trees, and shrubbery, while dotted here and there were clumps of flower buds. Interwoven with these were a number of prettily painted butterflies, lending themselves admirably to the occasiop. The tiny little tots that pranced about in their various dances were just beautiful to behold, and the audience greeted them with hearty hand-claps and encores. To mark out any particular one of the tiny tots would be almost an impossible feat: they were all good in their little ways, Joy Talboys in her “Polka Caprice,” ahd also in “Summer Frolics” with Joan Nicholas, Bobby Hunger in “Rosebud.” Peggy Ray in "Pas de Gent,*’ are little mites that flitted on to the stage like butterflies, and little Coleen Steedman as Cupid with her bow and arrow was a perfect little model. Danaing commenced promptly to time, the first item submitted being a series of exercises and a march by the class pupils- This was well done, and it is worthy of comment the excellent time kept by the two wee girls in the rear of the inarch—no mean feat, in view of the many tiny steps they were compelled to take to keep pace with the elder children. This item was heartily encored, as was every item delivered from the stage, without exception. Mr Leo. Foster was heard to advantage ; n his song, “The Crown of the Year,” and as an encore he rendered “Songs of Open Country.” Mr Foster also sang “An Old-fashioned Town” later on in the evening, receiving a well-deserved encore. Mrs- P. Hague-Smith sang “The Old Flagged Path” and “The Night Nursery,” receiving a great ovation, and as an encore gave “Wilderness” later oh in the programme. Mrs Hague-Smith sang “Rendezvous” in a most charming way, accompanied by the dancing of Adria Nicholas, Raye de Castro, and little Coleen Steedman as Cupid. This was easily one of the star items- of the evening, the character of the •song being particularly well represented, and the old-fashioned dresses and powdered hair was quaint. The acting was splendidly carried out. and reflects great credit on the pupils, whose steadiness and stateliness were absolutely in keeping with the song. The dancing of Dorothy Worthington (MorrinsviUe) in “Idyll” and “Minuet,” and also thie “Fantastic Hornpipe,” was cleverly done, and showed that great care and training had been spent to master the many intricate steps. Little Bobbie Hunger (Te Aroha), a tiny wee mite, literally took the audience by stormThe dance "Rosebud” was particularly good, as was also her encore, whicn it- was alleged, was her own composition. This wee child has all. the stage appearance and confidence of a professional, and we sincerely hope we shall have the pleasure of again witnessing her dances. Peggy Ray (Te Aroha), another little girl of tender years, delighted the .audience witn her clever exhibition of the dance, “Pas de Gent,” receiving a welldeserved encore. Freda Bliss (Te Aro'ha) presented a butterfly dance in a very dainty way, her steps being particularly accurate. The encore she received was richly deserved. Space prevents us commenting on each little dancer individually, but we feel compelled to record the wonderful precision apd balance of the two tiny tots, Joan Nicholas and Joy Talboys, in the dance "Barcarolle.” There are many intricate steps and the time is difficult in this dance but these dainty little girls carried the piece out without a hitch, Receiving a hearty encore and a box of chocolates each. In this dance four were trained to take part, but, unfortunately, the two elder girls, Margaret Nicholas and Marjorie Say, were unable, through sickness, to carry out their parts. However, nothing daunted, the two wee girfls- “carried on” alone. The ballet "Folly,” as ' danced by Raye de Castro and Aroha and Adria Nicholas, was a real good item, and was carried out with dash and spirit, evoking a hearty acknowledgement from the audience. Miss Raye de Castro furnished an Eastern Dance in a very finished manner, and was dressed most gorgeously. Variety to the entertainment was provided by Mr H. W. Smales, monploguist, who pleased the audience with his topical yarns and monologues. Also the local quartette, comprising Messrs G and LFoster, E. Edwards, and P. C. Furley. was heard to advantage in "Massa’s in de Cold, Cold Ground.’’ The recitation submitted by Doris Rowe was very much enjoyed. Although this was her first appearance she recited in a very clear, correct, and pleasing way. which gained her well deserved applause. The ballet "Grecian” wh’ch was danced by Doris Rowe, Aroha and Adria Nicholas, and Raye de Castro (soloist), was very cleverly done, and the effects obtained were certainly worthy of comment, and the dancers carried out their work with; daintiness and precision. The music for the large programme was supplied by Miss M. Lipsey, who also rendered two delightful pianoforte solos. Mrs F. S. Budd also assisted materially with the musical portion. The grand finale was a fab J leau called “Bye-low Town,” the whole of the performers .taking part in the singing with the addition of three more little girls, Heliria and

Lorraine Steedman and Birdie Gibb. Confetti was showered on to the stage from above, and the brilliancy of the effect was very beautiful, and was certainly a pretty finish to a real good show. Miss Smales is to be indeed congratulated on the splendid success achieved by her pupils, and for the way the Recital was carried out. The very fact of having the pleasure pf witnessing so many tiny tots, as well as the elder girls, submitting such & variety ofl dances, many of which were very difficult as regards tima and pose, speaks volumes of praise to Miss Smales for her patience and skill. The dresses were, most dainty and varied, and correct in every detail according to the class of dance presented.