The Perfect Dancer

Southland Times, Issue 20786, 29 May 1929, Page 12

The Perfect Dancer

DANCING ON THE STAGE. (By Phyilis Monkman). Have you ever thought of the big possibilities the theatrical profession offers to really clever dancers? It is because I reviewed them years ago that I dance in Musical Comedy to-day. And, to take another example, it is doubtless because the same thought came to a little Russian girl that Madame Pavlova has been for years the world’s greatest ballerina. Not every girl who tries the stage for 1 a dancing career can expect to see her name flickering outside a big theatre, or hope to bow to the applause of a thrilled audience at Coveut Garden. But, as I have been lucky enough to find out for myself, stage dancing offers big chances to those who have the will to take them. Before even thinking of theatrical work, it is necessary for an aspirant to become a perfect ballroom dancer. In addition to this, a lithe graceful body, acquired by means of healthy food anil spartan training; a quick artistic brain; love of the things such a life would offer—and they are not all chocolates and bouquets, I can tell you—are the qualifications most needed. Would-be stage dancers, after a severe course of /training in the special work of the theatre, are usually given a small part in the-chortle of the touring company of some Musical Comedy. It is a splendid way to learn how to dance, but a way of bitter disillusionment for the stage-struck. Dreams of a few graceful steps in a big theatre each evening, followed by half a dozen- marriage proposals from Dukes, are rudely shattered! Instead, come days and weeks of heavy work, perfecting each monotonous step and learning to keep in time with the rest; nights of fatiguing effort to satisfy a Producer who is Argus-eyed for faults; week-ends of hurried travel over huge distances between different towns; uncomfortable, crowded dressing-rooms; more and more practice and rehearsals. And, instead of a fortune, merely a living wage. At the beginning, not luxury but grind!

I am not being unduly pessimistic, nor trying to frighten beginners away from a profession -I would not change for any other in the world. I am merely pointing out that it is not a job for anyone who wants ease, comfort, and big returns for little labour.

It has its' glorious moments. Perhaps, after a hard tour, a manager says: “Miss Tiptoe, I’ve a vacancy in a new show we’re bringing on at the London ’Vanity’. The salary isn't very big, but there’s a good chance for a clever little dancer.’’ Only those who have heard something of this kind, after months or years of bitter work outside, Can realize the joy it brings. Or again, an understudy’s fervent prayers muy be answered, and a leading lady may be striken down by apolexy just before a performance. Follows a frantic rushing to and fro, and eventually the understudy takes the part before a house breathless with admiration. That really does happen sometimes; but so seldom that the girl who waits for it often finds her chance gone in other directions. Even if a step up the ladder of fame is won, the work to keep the place is proportionately ' harder, while at the very top,

glorious as it is to be there, few people can stand the pace. A successful dancer’s life is no sinecure—the work is desperately hard and the strain terrific. The man or woman who decides to turn dancing feet along a golden path across the stage must be sure first of two things—the cleverness of the feet and the courage of the possessor. No need to be afraid of vice —there is no more need to succumb to it in the theatre than in any other profession. But be sure of the willingness to work hard and long, to settle down to chorus drudgery and discomfort for a long while, and to learn from every little thing how to dance really well.

Be prepared to face bitter disappointments, to hear scandals and leave them unanswered, to suffer the petty jealousy of rivals beaten in the race for recognition! Devote every thought and act to your work. Then perhaps, if you are one of the lucky ones, you will awake one morning to find yourself famous as a stage dancer.