DANCE RECITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 272, 16 November 1936, Page 11

DANCE RECITAL.

( . SOME BRILLIANT BALLETS. Excellent in every way, not only in dancing technique itself, but in brillfiwat and well thought out frocking and artistic .lighting effects, was the recital given by the pupils of the NcttletonEdwards School of Dancing in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday night. The whole performance was beautifully presented, with not a hitch in the programme from the spectacular first item to the triumphant conclusion. A feature of the recital was the utmost simplicity with which it was carried through. Notjiing theatrical was attempted, the idea of the school being to present the children as children without sophistication, a pleasing note in these days when children are inclined to be too precocious. The first 'item was "Festival of Spring," when, dressed as snowdrops, hyacinths, apple blooms, fauns, dryads and naiads, the pupils executed some really charming dances. The solo given by the naiad was outstanding. This was followed a delightful dancestorv, entitled "The Little Tin Soldier." It told of the romance between a tin soldier and a dancing doll, and the setting was in the attic of an old house where all sorts of other dolls and story book charactcrs came to life and had a lovely party. Here sailors danced with rav Parisiennes, Jack twirled with Jill, Little Miss Mullet was duly horrified at the spider, and Marjorie Daw met Mr. Jack Horner. Pop Eye was a very popular person, and kept the audience well amused. The libretto for this number was excellent, and the words were clearly spoken. Exceptional acting ability was shown by many »t the characters, especially the little, tin soldier and bis dancing doll. The item "Variation, winch followed, was an operatic ballet, when, dressed 111 frocks of tiers of white net, a number of clever Cancers danced to waltzes, nocturnes and preludes by Chopin. The programme concluded with a miniature revue, with a fine exhibition of tap dancin" given by the senior puis, who were dressed in red slips with white cellophane coats. The audience was a large one. and gtne an enthusiastic reception to the vancd programme. Rounds of applause greeted Mi=s Bervl Nettleton and Miss Bettina Edwards'for the exceptional entertainment they had presented.