ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15566, 25 March 1914, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE TANGO TEA. j Of the many dances that have been evolved lately for the modern ballroom there is probably not one which has aroused such enthusiasm, and at the same time such controversy, as the tango. Argument has waxed hotly around it., and while its fascination has been readily admitted by some of its most violent opposers, there have been numbers of people who have denounced it as being indelicate, and totally unsuited to ballroom purposes.

A large audience assembled at the Tango Tea given in His Majesty's Theatre by members of the "Aladdin" Com- ; P an y yesterday afternoon. Nothing more graceful and delightful could be imagined than the tango as demonstrated by Mr. Fred Oswald and Miss Margot Maurice, , who went through various quaint step:. i with much grace and verve, and with mi absence of the unpleasant attributes that have teen charged to the tango. The element of rowdyism which ragtime steps have introduced into some modern dances was entirely lacking in the tango as modified to ballroom needs, and all the movements were smooth and even. Laler, with various pretty and beautifully-gowned partners, Mr. Fred Oswald gave other illustrations of the tango, and also of ragtime dances, which, as performed, were quite lacking in the reckless abandon and grotesque posturing usually associated with this class of dance. The hacienda tango, demonstrated by Miss Nellie Fallon and Mr. Marcell, was also a charming dance, full of graceful movements and postures. Miss Grace Palotta appeared with Mr. Oswald in a most picturesque tango, and in the second -part of the programme sang "Hullo Tu Tu " to her own accompaniment. In answer to an insistent encore Miss Palotta sang a little German ballad. Miss Carrie Moore was also encored for her monologue, " Woman's Eyes," as were also the Mulvaney Twins, who gave a clever ragtime song and dance, "Jennie." Four sketches from the works of Charles Dickens were given by Mr. Bert Barton, who without costumes or scenery managed to convey wonderfully realistic effects. Two items were given by Miss Mabel Bateheior, "Lo Here the Gentle Lark" and "A Little Love, a Little Kiss," the former having a flute obligate. and Mr. Cecil Houghton also sanrr pleasantly. Two parades of the latest fashions in frocks, given by the tango girls, caused much interest, and the programme concluded with a tango revue, in which Mr. Oswald again demonstrated the dance with different partners. The frocking of all the girls was beautiful, although, in some cases the "latest" from Paris proved to be a little alarming to the casual observer. The colouring was gorgeous, and examples of fashionable head-dresses were something to be remembered. The afternoon tea arrangments were well managed. That the innovation of the tango tea is bound to become fashionable in Auckland is certain; but it is doubtful whether the tango itself will ever be popular as a ballroom dance, its intricacies being a decided bar. However it is decidedly pretty, and has the charm of novelty in its favour. The next tango tea is to take place on Friday.

"ALADDIN." The popularity of the "Aladdin" pantomime shows no sign of waning, His Majesty's Theatre being filled again last night. The performance was punctuated by frequent outbursts of applause.

wntTHS' CIRCUS. Another large audience was present at Wirths' Circus last night, the many original and sensational items meeting with 'rounds of applause. " Daredevil Desperado's" aerial dive is one of the most thrilling feats imaginable, whilst the many wire-walkers and acrobats provided 1 exciting items. The trained animals also came in for a full share of popularity. Remarkable intelligence characterised the performance of the seven bears, which were put through a number of interesting evolutions by Herr Schmidt, among the quaint tricks exhibited by the Ursine troupe being the wheeling of a perambulator with a boy inside. An amusing note is struck in the appearance of the Dobllados flock of trained mountain sheep and guinea pigs, the antics of which are distinctly comical. The circus will be open all the week at - Victoria Park, a matinee being given this afternoon. OPERA HOUSE. The current vaudeville programme at the Opera House is proving very popular. Mantell's marionette show is the outstanding feature on the bill, the dolls' tumorous antics creating great amuse- | ment. "The American Ginger Girls," and the many other artists on the proI gramme were very well received last evening.

ORGAN RECITALS A municipal organ i«cital will be given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening next. A popular programme will include three well-known songu without words by Mendelssohn, the " Entry of the Gods into Walhalla," which met with favour at the last recital, and Wely's "Storm Fantaisie." PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. " The Silver Skull," a powerful drama with a decidedly mysterious element in it, is the leading item of an admirable programme which is attract' ng large crowds to the West End Theatre.

The current programme at the Lyric Theatre is one which is sure to attract many people each night of the week. Dramatic, humorous, and scenic films make up a decidedly interesting programme. The continuous pictures at the Newton Pictiire Palace include all types of subjects, "The Fatal Dacce" and "The Fighting Lieutenant" being the two most popular. "A Prisoner in the Harem," a lengthy pi .ture, which is being screened nightly . at the King's Theatre, includes a number of thrilling incidents. A realistic fight between a tiger and lions is one of the most sensational items.

Topical, dramatic, humorous, and scenic subjects are included in the current programme of continuous pictures at the Globe Theatre. " Trapped " >s the title of the chief picture. Amongst the many interesting pictures being screened at the Royal Albert Hall this week is " A Prisoner in the Harem," a sensational Oriental study. A burning yacht at sea is only one of the numerous thrilling incidents in "Victory or Death," now being screened at the Princess Theatre. An excellent, local picture of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations is also shown. A story' of the fierce tribes on the Indian frontier and the rescue of a kidnapped bride is embodied in "For East is East," the chief item in the programme of continuous pictures being screened at the Queen's Theatre. The vivaphone, or vocal moving pictures, is drawing large crowds to the King George Theatre. An excellent programme contains a large number of very interesting pictures.