Y.M.C.A.’S “CIRCUS.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19801, 28 May 1926, Page 15

Y.M.C.A.’S “CIRCUS.”

BRIGHT PHYSICAL DISPLAY. The Y.M.C.A., is, to say the least of it, an enterprising body, and whenever the need for a little more cash on the right side of the ledger is felt, there is always somebody to organise something for the edification or amusement of everyone. It has been felt that the gymnasium section is deserving of a little financial encouragement, so with that tnd in view 250 members of the various classes, under the leadership of Mr J. V. Hanna, arranged a "circus,” which they staged in the gymnasium last night before a large and keenly appreciative audience. Excepting the animals, the main ingredients of a circus were there, to wit, a couple of clowns, who tumbled and pranced and played the fool generally, quite after the recognised style of the professional clown. The arena and the gallery were decorated for the occasion with hanging paper streamers and festoons, and a couple of coloured spotlights enhanced the effect to a remarkable degree. There was nothing tedious in the whole programme, and judging by the enthusiasm shown by the audience, it is safe to predict that the second and final performance tomorrow night will be patronised even more extensively, in which case the treasurer will smile a smile of pleasureable satisfaction. Further, to-morrow night’s programme will be augmented by four extra items. Tim proceedings commenced with the grand entry march, consisting of the 250 performers, and this was followed by a wheel parade of children under 12 years. They came on tricycles, trolleys, and any other means of locomotion they could lay hands on. The senior class demonstrated how to be healthy and fit, and though their timing was perhaps a little erratic 'heir display was instructive and interesting. Two boxers with their nether limbs swathed in sacks gave a grotesque exhibition of "sparring,” and the count was taken more than once. The chair pyramids by the lenders was a clever display, while a lesson in physical eurythmics by small girls, who showed what they could do with “Moonlight and Roses” to insoire their movements, was also warmly applauded This was followed by a skilful exhibition of work on the parallel bars and by free exercises and wand drill by boys from 12 to 15 years. Roy and Mac, whoever they may be, threw themselves about in a way that would have broken the neck of anyone but a skilled gymnast, and they, too, helped to keep the audience laughing. Theirs w a s one of the most popular turns of the evening. The ladies’ class created a little astonishment when it first appeared to perform with the clubs. Each member wore a “Guy Fawkes” mask fitted to the back of her head, and her bona fide face was hidden by white muslin. The effect was most fantastic. The balance of the programme was no less meritorious and con* sisted of rhythmic exercises by the girls’ cla-ss fl2 to i 6 years), a horizontal bar display by the lenders, a shadowgraph "As Others See Us,” ladies' drill, and horse manoeuvres by the college girls.