SUPERB ART.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18726, 24 June 1926, Page 10

SUPERB ART.

PAVLOVA'S WITCHERY.

SPELL OF ENCHANTMENT. Pavlova's superb art exercised a tpell of enchantment over another great gathering at the Theatre Royal last night, and tho bewitching diva gathered; to herself tho homage and {■laudits of everybody present. The programme differed essentially from that which opened the season, and so marked was the diversity that one almost gained the impression that a new and, if anything, a more brilliant.company was performing.

The opening number was a one-act ballet, "The Magic Flute," daaced to music composed by Drigo and arranged by Marius Petipa. 'lhe setting represented a French village of the Louis XV. period, and the scenic artist had composed a soft and beautiful landscape supported by some pleasing and quaint exteriors. The story was one of lovo and oomedyy and'was carried through by pantomime actions and dancing. The villagers, blithe and gay, opened proceedings with an, animated country dance, in the course of which a couple disengaged themselves and thereafter became prominent in the development of the story. They were Lise. daughter of an old she-dragon (Mile. Thursa Rogers), and Luc, a young countryman (M. Pianowski). The two. with the ardent help of their village comrades, carried on gaily until a. disturbing element appeared, a strutting consequential, red-garbed popinjay who turned out to be footman and emissary of a nearby marquis. His mission was to herald the advent of his noble lord, and thereafter to - demonstrate the joint qualities of obsequiousness and insolence, the Marquis M Zalewski duly arrived, and after, looking over the village maidens, chose the she-dragon's daughter. :. Various developments occurred; but . finally the girl and the marquis went away and the young countryman was left in despair. He wns visited by a friar and presented with a flute, which on beiiig played caused everybody within hearing to dance. By the employment of this magic the young countryman finally gained the girl and routed his enemies, J but not before some astonishing epi- j sodes had occurred. .Miss Rogers was the central figure throughout, and many charming dances were performed by her. M. Pianowski, as the young countryman, provided able support. M. Markovski proved a remarkably effective character as the red footman, and the . Marquis distinguished himself in a. sciatic waltzi 'A ballet by Miles, Nichols, Crofton, ' Elkington, and Mather was one of the leading successes, but the.dancing of all was excellently performed and most heartily applauded. ' * The second big number was a. one-act ballet, ' "Snowflakes," : danced to "Nutcracker" music. The scenery, painted by J. Urban,' re-, presented a snow-clad'fir forest. Snowflakes fell and a weak' blue light shone,' and the general effect was very -.beautiful. Anna Pavlova made her appearance in this scene, and with her partner, La,urent Novikoff, performed some enchanting dances. A snowflake ballet by the whole company was aii imposing piece of work, and .a pas de cinq by Miles. Rogers, Nichols, Mather, Crofton, and Elkington performed to the Dance of the Marionettes movement in the celebrated ! Noisette suite, 1 was a notable item. The third part devoted to sements, roused the spectators to high enthusiasm. A Dragonfly Anna Pavlova, to music by 'Kreisler, was a perfect gem, and was. given with all- the .genius that.has. raised .Pavlova to her present high pinnacle. A Rondino,' to music by Belhdwen-Kreieler, was' altogether charming,.and w'asithe most' popular, item that .Pavlova ,has yet- given., : She was called, over and over again, and the patrons wanted it repeated,' but without avail., A bright mazurka (Glinka) was'danced by MHe.s. Eaucheux, D!Arcy. Nikitina.; and Anderson, and Messrs Varjinski. Domoslavski, Dolinoff, and Sergeef. Laurent Novikoff presented a -novel Uttle Bow arid Arrow dance: Ariitra's Dance, from Grieg's Peer Gynt suite, was performed by Mile D?Arcy. This wasjui interesting item*;for the: reason that the eeri9'musio is well-known. Mile. D'Arcy- gave a very fine, interpretation of the spirit, of the dance, .A Chinese-dance by Mile Mather and Mr Hitchins was another novelty which proved most, popular., Mile. .Stuart and Mr' Dolinoff danced, a .very pretty pastoraJe, and Miles." Rogers, 'Elkington, Mather, Nichols, and Crofton performed to music played pizzicato. A brilliant ensemble, , "Christmas." with Anna Pavlova, Laurent Novikoff and others in leading movements, completed what' was■ in. every way a most noteworthy programme. M. 'Lucien; Wurmser ; and .the; operatic orchestra covered themselves by their playing of the ' 'Egriiont'' overture arid the many classical compositions as-ac-companiments to the dances.. The rapprochement between the; orchestra and' the 'ballet' was perfect; ; •• The same programme will. be given to-night, and there will be another complete, change, to-morrow.. . A matinee will be given'on Saturday, and the season will close on Saturday night.