SCHOOL OF DANCING

Southland Times, Issue 20633, 3 November 1928, Page 7

SCHOOL OF DANCING

DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. ENJOYABLE PERFORMANCE. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Southland School of Highland and Classic Dancing, the pupils under the direction of the principal, Mr Alexander Sutherland, staged last evening one of the most enjoyable demonstration concerts ever held in Invercargill. The Municipal Theatre was comfortably filled and the large audience thoroughly enjoyed the varied programme. Highland dancing, of course, comprised the greater portion of the pupils’ contribution, but with this section was interspersed a number of delightful solo and duo numbers and in all. the performers displayed a high standard of proficiency. From the baby of the school—a tiny tot of three, whose solo number delighted the audience —to the advanced performers, all the pupils showed excellent technique. The programme opened with a Highland Fling by the whole school followed by an interesting display by the Tiny Tots, a party of eight talented performers. After the Seann Triubhais by a party of four of the senior girls, Miss Joan Fisher performed a convincing Russian Cossack Dance. Other numbers in the first part were a Gillie Callum display by 36 of the pupils, a delightful duo number “On and off duty” by Misses Bae and Joan McLean, a Highland dancing display by the boys and a colourful ballet by the Tiny Tots. In the second half of the programme, the children opened with a Chinese ballet followed by a Jack Tar display by the senior girls. A popular number was the Black Bottom ballet led by Miss Joan Fisher. Other dances were Irish Reel by a senior quartette, a duo by Misses Joan Fisher and I. Macdonald and the finale, Reel o’ Tulloch and Highland Reel. An enjoyable feature of the programme was the varied concert number provided in addition to the many dances. These were all of a high standard and added considerably to the interest in a high-class entertainment. This portion of the programme included: Songs, “I have a Cottage,” and “My Treasure,” Miss Mira Baty; violin solo, “Scherzo,” Master Alexander Lindsay; recitation, “The Pants Mother Makes,” Master E. Folley; character songs, “Hullo Tu Tu,” “Side by Side,” “Persian Rosebud,” and “Bungalow of Dreams,” Miss Doreen McClatchey; violin solo, “Zigeunerweisen,” Mr R. L. Pettit ; song, “Lullaby,” Master Alexander Lindsay; song, “My Heart is in Heaven,” Miss Gladys Cameron; “Quartette in D Major,” Miss E. Hughes, Messrs R. L. Pettitt, F. Blick and J. Stott; humorous item, Mr A. Credgington. A delightful scena, “Cupid’s Orders,” arranged by Mrs J. Smith, was one of the most enjoyable numbers. Those taking part were Misses Ora McGibbon, W. Giller, R. Mee, A. Macdonald and Gladys Cameron. An efficient orchestra provided the accompaniments while Mrs N. J. Brockenshire was accompaniste. Mr Lindsay Taylor, piper. Much credit for the concert is due to the producer, Mr. Alexander Sutherland, and his assistants, Misses M. Flaus and J. Reid. Mr George Taylor was secretary.