INTEREST IN N.Z. DANCING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 101, 2 May 1939, Page 12

INTEREST IN N.Z. DANCING.

Anton Dolin Teaches Young Aucklanders

They ranged from all ages, from romantic young girls o f twelve and fourteen clamouring f or autographs to tiny infants who found the art of balancing on one toe an extremely diflicult task. Anton Dolin. who patiently repented one movement after another, was thrilled with the enthusiasm of the young ballet lovers, who gathered vesterday to have a lesson from the 'idol of the hour. 'I like teaching youii« children," he said, when the last autograph hunter had been satisfied. "Later in the year Baranova and I hope to wine back to New Zealand for a return season through the country, and we think it would Im> a good idea t<, have a. number of New Zealand children forming the corps de ballet. I would love to dance Swan Lake with them."

When asked about the standard of ballet darning in this country. Mr. Dolin began to talk enthusiastically of the number of young children who showed promise, mentioning, in particular, Rowena Jackson. "Do you know when she is giving her first recital? , ' he asked. "I must find out because I would like to send her a telegram. She has a great future, and I would like to see her continue with her work.

"I first heard of Rowena Jackson while I was in Australia," continued M. Dolin, "but I was not particularly interested. So many people write to me about promising dancers that it has become impossible to take an interest in them all. I forgot all about the letters I had received, and when in Xew Zealand I received another one about her, I didn't even connect it with the young girl I had heard about in Australia. When we arrived in Auckland we heard more about this younsj dancer, and one day I decided that I hau better go and see her. Lichine came with me, and I must admit neither of us was prepared for the dancing we saw. Without any particular interest we both went along to watch, and I have been watching ever since. As I said before she has. a remarkable future before her."

M. Dolin concluded his talk with a plea that the people of New Zealand might lie encouraged to help Rowena Jackson in her career. "She is well worth it," he said, "and T do wish that she could Iμ? sent to England for study."