MUSIC IN MOVEMENT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 185, 3 May 1929, Page 3

MUSIC IN MOVEMENT

EURYTHMICS DISPLAY. A graceful exhibition of Dalcrozc eurythmics was given last night by Miss Eileen Russell, L.R.A.M., at the Y.W.C.A. hall. Miss M. Cole, girls’ work secretary, welcomed Mrs. Ernest Dawson, president of the National Girls’ Work Committee. In introducing Miss Russell, Mrs. Dawson said how privileged the girls were to have such a teacher, who. after wide experience in London, had practically introduced eurythmics in New Zealand. . . Miss Russell explained the principles of Dalcroze eurythmics. Music, she said, and its rhythm, was the basis of the whole work. Every piece expressed something new through the movements accompanying the various times. Music for eurythmics was not set, but improvised, so that by listening, concentrating, memorising, and making the bodies express and show to others the exact meaning of what was being played, co-ordina-tion of mind and body was learned, and physical and mental poise, one. of the greatest assets to be gained in life, was achieved. Eurythmics, she said, was a means of self-expression also, drawing out the musical rhythmic sense which all had, even though in some it might be latent. , Each graceful movement was afterwards demonstrated by several of Miss Russell’s pupils, who wore the loose Grecian garments, particularly becoming this style of dance. Later members of the audience joined the demonstration, and much amusement was caused from first efforts. ... , • u Elocutionary and musical items, wlnen were very much enjoyed, were given by Miss Clodagh Russell and Miss Thelma Willoughby. „ , Miss Elizabeth MacDonald, general secretarv of the Wellington branch of the Y.W.C.A., thanked the artists for the very interesting evening they had given. ■