"LACK OF INTEREST"

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 140, 10 March 1938, Page 4

"LACK OF INTEREST"

Dancing In New Zealand

“New Zealand dancing? Well, I have seen very little, and I have been more than surprised at the lack of interest shown throughout the country,’’ said Miss Victoria Forth, Sydney, and formerly of London, who is at present visiting New Zealand. “I came to New Zealand purely on a holiday tour,’’ she continued, “but since my visit I have become very interested in the country. “There is plenty of scope for future ballet dancers, here, and I would love to start a branch of British Ballet Organisation. We hope that 1938 will be a big year for dancing in New Zealand, for in August, Espinosa, the worldfamous ballet master and teacher, has planned a tour.” For several years now Miss Forth has worked with Espinosa and she was very enthusiastic in his praise. He was deeply disappointed last year,’’ she said, “when time did not allow him to visit this country, and he is looking forward eagerly to this year’s tour.” Miss Forth went on to explain something of the nature of the work done by Espinosa. The whole nomenclature and theory of the Royal Academy examinations were originated by him, she said, and during the 10 years from 1920. to 1930 he was the technician and the heart and soul of the Operatic Association, as the Royal Academy was then called. Espinosa retired from the association in 1930. and it was then that the British Ballet Organisation originated. In conjunction with Madame Louise Kay, Espinosa started this great movement which has already spread its influence throughout the world. “To anyone in the dancing world,” remarked Miss Forth, “certificate bearing the name of Espinosa means something. It is the signature of the master from whom all other English examiners have had to learn. He is an interesting mam too,” she added, “And New Zealanders are very fortunate in his visit. “We would love to encourage interest of the ballet in New Zealand,’’ .Miss Forth continued, “for so far you have seen very little. You know the ordinary ballet movements, but there is something greater than that. The German dancing, for instance, has not been seen here, and it is one of the most beautiful of all. ‘Les Presages,’ performed by the Russian Ballet visiting here last year, combined some of the new German style of movement. It is a modern style that is rapidly developing and it includes all the grace and suppleness of modern art. When compared with the French and Italian technique, it; is outstandingly graceful and free.” Miss Forth went on to explain how in. England this new art was becoming exceedingly popular. “It lacks the stiffness of other dancing,” she said, “and when executed by such dancers as Annie Kligg, Mary Wiginan and Kruetsberg it is one of the most beautiful forms in the world. Even those who have no knowledge of the technique of dancing would, I feel, be interested in the grace of the movements. In future years German technique is bound to have a great influence on the ballet, for when combined with the French and Italian style it forms the perfect dance.” Miss Forth herself has composed several dances, among which are “The Immortal Memory,” and “The Magnet,” both of which have been performed in Sydney with great success.