DALCROZE EURYTHMICS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 128, 26 November 1927, Page 11

DALCROZE EURYTHMICS

lew people could imagine the charm of the entertainment presented by Miss Eileen Russell, L.R.A.M., and about thirty students from the Kelburn Training College last night at the Y.W.C.A. Hall; it had to be seen to be realised. The- students, all barefooted, and clad in Grecian tunics of henna coloured silk, gave expression to music by action in a manner quite new to a AVellington audience. Mr. T..8. Strong, Director of Education, made an introductory speech, and expressed his appreciation of tho Dal-, crozo system, which exercises the brain in harmony with tho body. Ho spoke of the possibilities of the system, and of its value not only to those who were well developed bnt to retardates, and those whose volition was good while tho other part of the brain was in great need of development. Mr. Strong showed that education was evolving from the mistakes of the past when anything but the "three RV was thought to be rather foolish and luxurious. Now was the time for people to realise the value of such work as that of Miss Russell, she and one other were the only expert exponents of the art in tho Dominion at present, but he hoped that through such classes a great work might be done for the health and joy of the people. • Miss Russell then briefly explained the work of her pupils and the system generally. She mentioned the power of quick response to impressions, the growth of mental and physical poise, and the practice of orderly expression, which overcome the limitations which often accompany a purely intellectual training. Then followed the "graded steps,", (lie "grammar of method," and somo graceful exercises of attention and control, with "rhythms," "polyrhythms," and other better known phrasings, such as counterpoint, syncopations, nuance, and individual expressions. It was quite wonderful to watch the development of rhythmic movement leading from the most simple expressions up to a "picture in movement." This brought forth great admiration from tho audience, for a scene in a hunting field was portrayed—first the action of horses then the riders, the huntsmen with their horns, and finally the joyous excitement of the chase. All was done with no spoken word—simply music and action in sympathetic combination. Perhaps the gem of the evening was the conducting of an "action" picture by a member of tho class in which all took part, the "action" being improvised by the student to the extemporised music by Miss Russell. A "Humoresque" to music by Tschaikowsky was another excellent item. At the- close of the evening hearty applause was given, and Miss Russell received many bouquets and other expressions of admiration and approval.