Dance Recital By Miss Maxwell's Pupils

Northern Advocate, 10 November 1939, Page 8

Dance Recital By Miss Maxwell's Pupils

Beautifully frocked and delightfully presented, the dance recital at the Town Hall last evening provided enjoyable entertainment for a large audience.

This initial recital by pupils of Miss Shirley Maxwell was a benefit for the patriotic funds, which should be considerably augmented as a result. Evidence of careful training and teaching was shown in every item, whether solo or concerted, and, judging by the applause which greeted each presentation, the audience was fully conversant with that painstaking effort and the aptness of the pupils. Excellent Frockirtg. Ranging from tiny tots to senior girls, the performers went through a long and arduous programme without falter. Even the tiny artists showed knowledge of the dancing art. although, as was to be expected, their concerted efforts lacked the finish and unison cf the older girls. The frocking was excellent. Smart, neat uniforms were chosen for the majority of the concerted items and careful attention was also paid in costuming the solo numbers. Members of the Health and Beauty Movement contributed items to the programme, their rhythmic exercises being perfectly done. The instructress, Miss Betty Barber, also presented a solo dance which was well received.

Pantomime Presented,

Principal items by Miss Maxwell’s pupils was a short presentation of the pantomime “Cinderella,” which provided a fitting finale to a splendid programme.

Presented in three scenes, the story was interpreted by the dance, no word being spoken. In the ballroom scene the minuet was danced by a large company. Miss Maxwell took the part of Cinderella, with Jose Boreham as the Prince. Glenis Alach and Mona Boreham were the ugly sisters; Norma Litt, the fairy godmother; Leone Pocock, the cat; Audrey Coxsmith and Pat Sheehan, the prince’s attendants; and Moira Allan, the page. The tiny tots were the fairies and a group of young men and women performed the minuet. Popular Items. One of the most popular items was given by Zoe Alach, who sang “Little Sir Echo,” accompanied by the senior chorus, concluding with a tap dance. Miss Maxwell demonstrated her ability and grace in a classical dance which concluded the first portion of the programme.

Senior pupils gave a display of figure marching and of tap dancing, while a group of juniors performed an Hungarian bell dance and a balloon dance. Four tiny girls delighted the spectators with a little dance and song.

Solo Items.

Glenis Alach was seen in a gipsy dance, Audrey Coxsmith in a skirt dance, and Inez Campbell in a scarf dance. Other solo numbers were given by Leone Pocock, Hazel Craig, Norma Litt, Doris Wells and Maureen Taylor. Max Alach appeared as a clown in a burlesque number. Dorothy Peters and Mona Boreham performed well in a duo as Harlequin and Columbine, and three of the senior girls appeared as the Three Graces in a graceful number. Jose and Mona Boreham danced beautifully in support of Mr Harold Beale, who sang “To a Miniature.” Many Floral Tributes. Violin solos were contributed by Laurence Wordsworth, songs by Miss Enid Hawkins, and Mr Len Waugh, and Mr Phil Pomery entertained on his piano-accordion. Miss S. Calkin and Messrs C. Wright, R. Shaw and G. McAuliffe provided the orchestral .'numbers. Miss Calkin and Mr Shaw, with Miss F. Wordsworth acting as accompanists.

At the conclusion of the performance a quarter of an hour was occupied in the presentation of floral tributes and gifts, Miss Maxwell, in particular, being deluged with bouquets. She thanked the audience for the manner in which her pupils had been received and for the public contribution to the success of her first recital.