WATER EXTRAVAGANZA

Evening Star, Issue 25926, 18 October 1946, Page 10

WATER EXTRAVAGANZA

AQUACADE FOR 1946 A DELIGHTFUL PRODUCTION The Kiwi 'Amateur Swimming Club’s second annual Aquacade commenced a four-night session at the Municipal Baths last night, and was acclaimed with unrestrained enthusiasm by_ a large attendance. Dunedin can claim to be the fir‘t centre to launch this type of ent tainment, which departs from the ordinary swimming carnival. Aquacade presents a combination of water ballet, fancy and formation swimming, with the spice of burlesque and the charm of a water fantasy. There are also plenty of spectacular and humorous numbers to, go along with the more poised and dignified ballets, adding just the right balance to the production. Twenty or more girls, colourfully costumed, and all graceful swimmers, forming themselves into symmetrical designs and spectacular figures and difficult patterns, constituted the beauty of the show. Poetry of motion, finding an outlet in graceful gyrations, was the feature of the presentation of their combined talents. Ngaire Lane, Agnes Brown, Islay Russell, and Hazel Forsyth, all particularly competent swimmers, provided-the necessary links to give tliei flowing action to the many intricate, complex, and brilliantlyconceived patterns on the water. There was always a unity of purpose, which reflected the guiding lianas of the producer* Mr David Forsyth, and the directors, Mrs Winnie Lawrence and Mr Arthur Thomas.

A new phase introduced in this year’s Aquacade was a delightful and captivating water fantasy which unfolded a story of a young girl and her search for a swan. Of course there was a lovely “spirit of the pool” to assist her in her task. Myra Wilson, as Sue, the young girl, gave a finished performance as a young actress and water ballerina, and Agnes Brown and Ngaire Lane were particularly agile “ fish.” Altogether, the story, as narrated by Mr Forsyth, was pleasing and enchanting, and was charmingly enacted. Diving also had its part in the production, ■ranging from an exhibition by Jack Stewart, the New Zealand chain--pion, to clever burlesque. Whereas Stewart gave a thrilling performance of difficult dives, a group of performers labelling themselves “ Speedo, Splash, and C 0.,” did some fantastically funny things on the springboard. Vic. Eckhoff, David Doake, Arthur Thomas, and Trevor Wilson, whose clever drollery provided a contrasting relief, and Jack Stewart, who performed with such perfection on the springboard, are to be complimented for their contribution. Mayzod Reid, “Tiny” Isaacs, and Betty Moore, with the title of “ Water Witches,” gave a splendid performance of synchronised diving, and “ Tiny ” Isaacs provided an unusual act when she dived through a flaming hoop. Another highlight of Aquacade was the appearance of Val Brown - and Shirley Simonson, who gave a realistic enterpretation of playful porpoises. To complete the programme there were a series of novel races and contests. ; To-night’s presentation of Aquacade will cater mostly for school children, but there will be limited accommodation for adults. The’ show will continue on and Monday, nights.