DANCE RECITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 166, 16 July 1938, Page 18

DANCE RECITAL.

I — • jCOLOURFUL PRESENTATION. MADAME VALF.SKA'S PUPILS. Combination of classical and national dance recital, coloiirfully and picturesquely dressed and staged,' with flashes of comedy, interludes of singing and arranged as revue following an allegorical f.intasy, the show put on by the pupils of Madame Valeska and Len Wilson attracted a larjre attendance to the Town Hall concert chamber last night. And it kept the house interested and entertained. ! A mammoth caste included dance pupile from Madame Valeska's studio, ranging from the most advanced seniors to girls of tender years, with a few of the stars from Len Wilson's gymnasium giving occasional highlights. The effective stage ensembles and charming costumes were features of the fantasy, illustrating the classic measures on which all artistic dancing is based. Naturally individual performances varied greatly according to the individual experience of the pupils in the delicate poise and rhythm demanded by toe-dancing, but under the capable ■ ballet leadership of Dorothy Katipa, with [notable ennport by Patricia Tennent. (Anita Popeland. Maureen Finlinson. Betty Mitchell and others, the development of the fantasy was intelligibly interpreted, .The adagio quartet by Peggy Graham, Eve _ Oower. Viv. Allen and Len Wilson was a great feature, and the climax grouping especially beautiful. When the girls put on their tap-dance .shoea for the national and folk dances they fairly revelled in the simpler dash and swing of their work, and aroused the audience to undeniable enthusiasm, particularly the high standard of the national dances. A cricket sketch of Betty Dickinson and Owen Bertram. Barbara Hunt's I Policeman,". Pierrot and Pierrette by Betty Brown and Pauline Whitfe Joan Jvdwards tup-dance specialty, and June jKillicks ""Varsity Girl"—these were but I a few of many good acts on the programme. A hand-balancing turn by Len \\ llson s star team, a clowning act by others from the same gymnasium, starring Kus Middlebrook on a uni-cycle. and graceful acrobatics by a ladies' gym team lent variety to an entertainment that had onite a deal of comedy and was a good nirfit'n fun. The programme will be repeated at tne concert chfcjpber to-night.