TOE-DANCE CRITICISED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 441, 24 August 1928, Page 13

TOE-DANCE CRITICISED

MAY LEAD TO DEFORMITY CHILDREN UNDER 12 TOO SMALL Toe-dancing by small children was criticised this morning by Miss Madeline Vyner at the Auckland competitions. It is a practice of which she does not approve, as it may lead to deformity. At the conclusion of the oe-dance section for children under nine', when she was announcing her decision, Miss Vyner said that she had not enjoyed the performance. The committee, she continued, had been reluctant to include this particular class, and had done so only under pressure. Toe-dancing was difficult work, and a great deal of technique, was required in preparing the children, who should not be allowed to perform this dance unless their feet were strong enough to bear the strain. Although some children performed the toe dance to a certain degree of perfection they usually had their feet misplaced and their knees bent. This morning, said Miss Vyner, she had seen children threatened with deformed feet if they persisted in toedancing. “This is not only my own personal opinion,” continued Miss Vyner. ‘‘lt is supported by all the most reputable people in the dancing world.” She added that the toe-dance should not be performed by children under 12 at least.