TERPSICHORE'S FRIENDS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 121, 22 May 1926, Page 14

TERPSICHORE'S FRIENDS

"THE DANCE" BY MISS BEERE'S

PUPILS,

Always delightful in colouring and action is the entertainment presented annually by Miss Eatelle Beere and her pupils, and the one given last night at the Opera House was well up to standard, and was heartily enjoyed by a large audience. The ensemble dances, specially those arranged for the very small children, were full of joie de vivre, and expressed it completely. The solo dancing was an excellent feature, the arm work in some being especially good. The dainty froeking, which is credited to the mothers of the children, with designs by Miss Beere, assisted by Miss Norton, showed what beautiful shades can be obtained nowadays, and the fact that the right blues, mauves, pinks, and yellows were brought together, with assistance from the many silver, golden, and tinselled materials which are obtainable, secured a bright and yet restful harmonious scene. The little pink and gold, blue and silver, or mauve .and yellow fairies tripped around in a kaleidoscope colour which needs to be seen to be appreciated. One particularly pretty costuming was of white frilly skirts and dainty coloured and fringed shawls arranged bodice fashion. The little head dresses, whether Eastern, butterfly, or other antennae, were beautifully made and most effective. In the ballets the Pengiuns were both quaint and effective, the song being given by Phyllis Oliver; "Dans le Bois" was another pretty effect, and the "Nodding Dutch Dolls" were also unusual and effective. Ever acceptable is "Le Cygne," which was well presented by Phyllis Oliver, and a most delightful duo, presented by request, was the "Romany Tango" by Joan Beere and her partner, Morris, who were enthusiastically recalled; the dance was well up to professional standard. The Pixie Pipor, on whom fell the responsibility of some of the slight plot, was Peggie Welch, who was charmingly dressed to suit the part. Other good solos were by Gretta Burd (White Fairy), Pat Gillespie (Pink Fairy), Patricia Hall (Dance of the Single Rose), Lorraine Major (Love Dance), Patsy Ashbolt (Viyandiere), Pat M'Namara (Polish Dance), Suganne Williams (Air de Ballet), Joyce Oliver (Operatic Dance), Pat Smith (On Parade), Peggie CluniesBoss (Snake Charmer), Joan Beere (Dance of the Dragon-fly), Peggy Welch (Pas de Suel), another by Mollie Cook; Alma Redding (Hunting Dance), Heather Horrax' (The Awakening of Spring), Joan Duncan (Polka Militaire), Joyce Smith (Eastern Dance), Molly Sellar (La Pierrette), Jack Morris (Copak), Phyllis Oliver (Trepak), Jean Norton (Folk Dance). Esther Plimmer was the soloist in Les Sylph es; a song, "Lackaday," was sung by Mr. Leigh Dew, and illustrated by Freda Smith and Verona Jeffries; a fox-trot, tango, and waltz, with the latest London innovations, was well given by Alison Kirkcaldie and Norman Hannah. The dainty parts of the Night Moth, White Fairy, Fairy Elf, Elf, and Lost Boy were given respectively to Joy Hodgson, Gretia Burd, Peggy Hyams, Beth Swanston, and Tony Hannah. The Louis Quinze Gavotte and the Mazurka and Ensemble given at the close of the dance recital were specially good items, but where all were ao well-per-formed it was difficult to separate items for praise. The orchestra rendered excellent service, and was one of the good features of the entertainment. Miss Beere, her assistants, and the mothers of the children who accomplished such dainty and fair-like garments are all to be congratulated on the success of the fecital.

A special matinee is being held this afternoon. The last performance takes place this evening, commencing at 8 o 'clock. Up to noon the box plan will be at The Bristol, thereafter at the Grand Opera House.