Dancing Round The World

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 44, 14 May 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

Dancing Round The World

Miss Valma Lcicli and a Prologue Miss Valma Lei eh is dancing her way round the world. She arrived in Auckland from Wellington this week, on her second visit. When she first visited the Dominion very few people had heard of her, but now she has reached the heights of a star. But success has not made this shy little lady any keener on publicity. The only chance of knowing what she can do is to watch her dancing on the stage. Not so very long ago Miss Leich danced before 10,000 people at the Albert Hall, London, in the prologue of “Michael Strogoff,” a magnificentlyproduced picture which will be shown shortly in Auckland. Sshe has arrived in New Zealand to dance in the prologue here, so that the film can be produced exactly as it was in London. L'niversal Films were instrumental in obtaining the picture and in having Miss Leich sent out from London. In an interview with a SUN representative Miss Leich said: “I am not

entirely a stranger to this part of the globe, having visited here some time ago, but in a more or less obscure role I was delighted at the prospect of seeing New Zealand again, particularly under my present engagement which gives me an opportunity of seeing some of the scenic wonders of this country.

“As to the prologue for ‘Michael Strogoff’,” she continued, “I am sure that when New Zealanders see it they will recognise the very last word in motion picture presentation. I am authorised to say that this prologue will be practically identical with that given at the Albert Hall, London, where a most distinguished gathering of notables assembled to see this work of art. “The prologue is a fine spectacle, the costumes are a revelation in stage apparel, and represent an exact duplication of those worn in the picture by the principle characters. These costumes cost a small fortune. I have brought the mfrom London with me as well as the original script of the prologue, which I shall produce personally in this country. I propose utilising local ‘material’ for the balance of the cast. In each city and town that I visit I shall select and train my ballets as well as the principals. The parts are so written that they are what we call ‘foolproof,’ but, of course, they require intelligent and trained treatment which I am sure they will receive here.”