DANCER'S PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23143, 15 September 1938, Page 4

DANCER'S PROGRESS

YOUNG WELLINGTON GIRL ENCOURAGEMENT OVERSEAS [from our own correspondent] LONDON. August 2o When Bebe de Roland, of Wellingbecame 11 years of age on August 5, Madame Lydia Kyaslit, her dancing mistress, asked Mr. Denham. managing director of the Ballot Russe, to see her dance at the studio. He was so pleased with her that he arranged for M. Leonide Massine to give her an audition. This took place privatiljv with only M. Massine, M. Sergueeff. maitre de ballet of the Imperial Opera House, St. Petersburg, and now producer at Sadler's Wells, and a few others present.

After the audition, Mine. Kyashi received some very complimentary and encouraging opinions about tho New Zealand dancer and her prospects. M. Massine said that for such a dancer to be born out of Russia was unbelievable. M. Denham also praised her technique, and Anton Dolin predicts for her a great future as a dancer.

Mine. Kyasht. who herself was a well-known Russian ballerina, reports that her pupil has captured the old Russian tochnif|ue. and says that she performs the opening of the Pas do Deux, "Aurora's Wedding." bettor than she has ever seen it danced. "By the ago of 17," says Mine. Kyasht, "1 should like to see her travelling, especially to New Zealand, with her own company." The Ballet Russe at the moment is full, and, of course, under contract with all parts taken, but Massine told Mine. Kyasht that he would try and fit, Hebe in the company as soon as possible.