ATHENIAN CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 1, 1 July 1938, Page 14

ATHENIAN CLUB

FOOTLIGHT REVELS

It is a far cry from the "perils" of the under-sea deep to those of a happy social party, but ingenious Athenians successfully effected the transposition at an enthusiastic gathering held in the Assembly Hall, Brougham Street, on Wednesday night. In producing their theme, "A Night at the Ballet," the host and hostess for the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfrid J. Lane (assisted by controller Mr. R. Walshaw) gave evidence of careful planning and skill in entertainment and decoration, also displaying a discrimination in the choice of dances, novelties, and special items of song and music. The hall was gay with coloured lights and flowers, hundreds of which had been made by the hostess. Assisting performers, Mrs. C. Anderson and Mr. Ivan Smith, as a diversion from the serio-comic stage atmosphere, sang most acceptably. The "piece de resistance" was a truly Athenian novelty— Mme. Romanoff's Ballet—where, in a stage-setting of real karaka-green leaves surmounted by hundreds of many-hued roses and magnolias, five muscular begarlanded men glided, tripped, and pirouetted through an intricate dance, and then with much humour finished a pretty performance on a burlesque note, "bringing down ! the house." The dancers were Messrs. Smith, West, Seaton, Hivon, and Lane. The gay stage setting was allowed to remain and added a colourful touch to the decorations. Other specialty dances included "Hold-It"—a Gipsy tap penalty number. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nickless were the only couple to remain unmoved, taking the welldeserved trophy. Another, "A Bailey Fraud," also led to some fine ballet dancing, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Frew being declared the champions. During a "Gay Gordons" frolic, a complimentary march past of all present was accorded the president (Mr. E. Loader), who was duly "decorated" for the occasion by the hostess. Hearty appreciation of the trouble taken for the club's enjoyment was expressed by all, and Mr. arid Mrs. Lane were specially thanked for a finished performance.