NATIONAL DANCING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22426, 5 September 1947, Page 4

NATIONAL DANCING

Sir, —As an admirer and supporter of national dancing, I am surprised at the replies of T. J. Flanagan and the Piping and Dancing Association. Surely for the good of the art they can take honest and candid criticism. In T. J. Flanagan’s reply it is stated that the competitors were the victims of stage fright. I am quite sure that this was allowed for, but what was criticised was the execution of steps. It is also admitted "they (the teachers) have the unenviable job of perfecting an art which in the last few years has become unbalanced in its execution." Surely this is an admission of the justice of the criticism of M- I. George. The Piping and Dancing Association also admits the error of dancing only six steps in the Highland Fling. As to the Irish Triple, I personally did not see one competitor do the genuine Irish triple. R. M. WILSON.

Sir, —In reply to M. I. George, "Justice” and "Fair Play"—First,_ kL_ I. George states that she has been in Gisborne 18 months. Why has she not shown enough interest to become a member of the Piping and Dancing Association? New members are eagerly sought, and they meet once a month to discuss ways and means of furthering the interests of piping and dancing and try to raise the standard to the highest possible level. Annual meetings are advertised in the Herald, always with "all interested cordially invited to attend.” M. I. George could have accepted this cordial invitation to two annual meetings without the expense of becoming a member. It is only now, after 18 months’ residence in Gisborne, that she lias "an earnest wish to improve national dancing.” J. A. HUTCHINS.