A DANCER RETURNS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23528, 17 June 1938, Page 16

A DANCER RETURNS

BALLET IN NEW ZEALAND AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT SCHOOL TO BE FOUNDED After spending nine years In London and on the Continent studying the art of the ballet from all angles and obtaining valuable practical experience in a number of major productions, Mr Maurice Costelo has returned to Oamaru, his home town. He intends to spend about three years at least in New Zealand, and it is his purpose to open a school for the teaching of ballet and subsequently to form a company to produce ballets, Mr Costelo will probably be remembered as Maurice Wilton, for it was under that name he danced in South Island centres before he left for England. In London, Mr Costelo joined a Russian school of ballet and studied under a leading teacher before accepting an engagement at the London Coliseum in the elaborate- production of “Casanova.” This engagement led to further contracts at the Coliseum and in other theatres. Mr Costelo later studied with a teacher of the Russian ballet in Paris, and then in Switzerland, after which he went on tour with variety shows. He appeared in Paris, at the Moulin Rouge, and in Vienna, Budapest, Madrid, Barcelona, and in Brussels at a lavish show of international stars during the Belgian Exhibition. IJe also visited Germany with the Ballet Russe de Paris company. Returning to London he appeared in “ The Golden Toy ” and in C. B. Cochrane’s spectacular “ Paganini ” at the Lyceum. His last engagement before he left England was as solo dancer in "Balalaika,” which has been running at His Majesty’s for nearly two years, and has proved the most successful show since “ Chu Chin Chow ” enjoyed its sensational three-year run. He has appeared in companies with Richard Tauber and Josephine Baker, and one of his training acquaintances was Mme Blinova, one of the most popular members of the Colonel do Bazil ballet company which recently visited New Zealand. “ The theatre in general In London, and throughout the Continent, has had a tremendous revival during the past 10 years,” stated Mr Costelo to a Daily Times representative last night, “and during the last three years one of the most interesting features has been the development of the ballet in England.” _ In New Zealand, audiences had enjoyed the visit of the de Bazil company, and this had given them a glimpse into the real world of ballet which was far removed from the amateur posturing and dancing which was too often passed off as ballet. An interest had been aroused, and it would be a pity if it were not fostered. He was confident that the necessary talent could be found for a ballet company in New Zealand and, if the necessary support could be obtained, he saw no reason, why something of a permanent nature could not be established. Mr Costelo seized every opportunity while touring of studying every phase of production. He is firmly convinced that public appreciation will be given of a show if its merit is 'genuine. Effective settings, costuming and lighting are highly important in modern theatrical production, and he has many ideas which he is eager to put into practice. He is aware that his project is an ambitious one, but he is enthusiastic over its prospects.