DANCE RECITAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19377, 15 July 1937, Page 3

DANCE RECITAL

OPERA HOUSE SUOCESS MISS SMITH’S PUIMBS Despite unfavourable weather conditions, the dance recital given in the Opera House last evening by Miss Tua Smith's pupils was well attended, and the programme, a lengthy and well varied selection, was keenly enjoyed, a majority of the items being recalled and compliments being showered on the young Gisborne instructress, who leaves next week lor Wellington to undertake a course ol training in advanced choreography. The presentation of last night s recital was assisted by Mrs. Monties’ orchestra, augmented for the occasion, and the costuming of the young performers was much admired, no effort having been spared to make the production an outstanding one. Opening with the ballet, “San Francisco,” with Lon Mahon and Bobby Smith as vocal duettists. the programme included a number of song and monologue numbers. Messrs. David Lee, J. .Seal, and H. Kangiuia assisting in their presentation, while Mr. F. Pritchard took part with Miss Smith in demonstrations of ballroom dancing. Miss Smith demonstrated her versatility by taking an effective part in song numbers and tap dances, the former including the duet “You, with Doris Smith, and the song “Dinah, with as comedy dance duo with Mr. Pritchard. A ballet of the younger performers, comprising Jill Jolly. Nola Davis, Gabrielle Nossitcr, Noelone Heency. Margaret Hands, and Marie Coopei, was seen in an operatic scene, and Misses Mona and Myra Clayton performed creditably in a "Blue Ballet duo. An action song "Goody Goody, was contributed by Mihi Swann and Bobby Smith, the first-mentioned of this pair also appearing in a tap duo with Jean Tolerton, scoring a marked success. Edith and Jean Fletcher, with Laura Dowell, also tapped capably as a trio, and Mona and Myra Clayton and Doris Smith furnished the ballet to the song "Whoopee,” Mr. 11. Rangiuia being the soloist. A balloon ballet by June and Zoe Gerrard, Mihi Swann. Betty Stokes, and Marie Mogford proved highly popular, and Shirley Griffon was well received in a tap solo. Phyllis Waite being another solo dancer to receive a recall. Nancy Douglas, Valerie Scott, and Dorothy Fletcher each had solo dance numbers, and performed creditably. and the audience welcomed Lon Mahon and Bobby Smith in the song duo. "Rainbow on the River, as warmly as Pamela Lewis and Barbara Smith in a tap dance. Edna Harries and Daphne Taylor contributed tap and operatic solos. The second half opened with a spectacular march of all the pupils, gnilv and originally costumed, filling the stage with colour and movement. Mihi Swann and Walter Smith performed an intricate acrobatic duo. and Nancv Douglas. Mavis Bannister. Norma Neill and Duleie Scott were seen in a Grecian ballet, artistically presented. Again the popular song .partners, Bobby Smith and Lon Mahon, ‘scored a success with “Wahoo,” 1 his number being followed bv a comic ballet, by Shirley Griffon. Trixie Elliott. Olive Nonnington. .June Davis, and Daphne Taylor, Mr. Rangiuia providing a song solo, “Lazin. Another operatic ballet was well performed by June and Zoe Gerrard. Betty Stokes, Marie Mogford, and Mihi Swann, and among the later items were an acrobatic number by Nancy Douglas and a tap solo by Duleie Scott. The hoop ballet by Jean Fletcher, Jean Ansell. Marie Mogford. Gabriclle Nossitcr. Mihi Swann, Lily Woods, and Trixie Elliott, was one of the most popular of the later items.

At the close of the programme, Miss Tua Smith briefly thanked the audience for its support, and commended the performers for their keenness at rehearsals. Numerous bouquets and other gifts were showered upon the performers prior to the singing of the National Anthem, which brought to a close a most enjoyable demonstration.