FOLK DANCING

Southland Times, Issue 21431, 27 June 1931, Page 9

FOLK DANCING

EXHIBITION AT WAIIIOPAI SCHOOL VISITORS IMPRESSED. At the invitation of the Waihopai School Committee members of the Southland Education Board and parents and friends of the children concerned assembled at the school in Herbert street yesterday afternoon to see for themselves the remarkable progress made by the pupils in folk dancing, since its inclusion in the school curriculum some few months ago. Fortunately, for the success of the exhibition which took place out-of-doors, the impending rain held off long enough to enable the full programme to be carried out without a hitch. Folk dancing was introduced at the Waihopai School, as at other schools in the Education Board’s district, some months ago for the purpose of developing poise and rhythm in the pupils’ physical training. How well it has succeeded was evident by yesterday afternoon’s display, which reflected the greatest of credit upon those responsible. The dances performed were divided into two classes, English country dancing, which had its origin in Shakespeare’s time, and Scandinavian dancing, which is so popular a feature of modern life- in Norway and Sweden. In the first category are the following dances: Rufty Tufty, If all the World were Paper, Gathering Peaficods and Sellenger’s Round; and in the second: The Shoemaker’s Dance, Clap Dance, Norieu Miego and Brighton Dance. All these were performed yesterday, at first separately and then by the senior and junior pupils combined. The rustic simplicity of the English country dances was well portrayed, and in the more intricate movements of the other dances the boys and girls participating displayed an easy grace, a sureness of foot and a well-developed sense of rhythm. In some of the dances a high vantage point would have been valuable in giving spectators an opportunity of witnessing the intricate patterns woven by the boys and girls as they trod their dainty measures to music supplied alternately by a piano and a gramophone. Among the interested and appreciative crowd of onlookers were two former headmasters of the school, Mr Duncan McNeil and Mr D. M. Greig, both of whom found much pleasure in renewing old friendships. At the conclusion of the exhibition Mr R. M. Strang, chairman of the Waihopai School Committee, thanked the parents for their attendance and spoke of the fine spirit of co-operation that such meetings with the staff entailed. He also referred briefly to the environment of the school, which was of such a splendid nature as to draw many complimentary references from residents and visitors alike. In conclusion, he besought the fullest co-operation between parents and the staff to ensure the future success of the school.

The next speaker was Mr J. C. Thomson, chairman of the Southland Education Board, who on behalf of members returned thanks to the School Committee for ids invitation to be present to witness the very fine exhibition of folk dancing. After referring to the wonderful physical development of the natives in the South Seas brought about by rhythmical dances, Mr Thomson said he hoped to return to Waihopai at some future date to see the great development the folk dancing would undoubtedly make in the bearing of the children. He said he did not know of a more energetic committee than that at the Waihopai School, the members of which were actuated by an impulse to do all the good they could for the school child. He congratulated the children themselves upon their performance which had been so much appreciated by members of the board.

Mr J. S. Nelson ,the headmaster of the school, expressed thanks to the visitors for their attendance which he assured them was very much appreciated by pupils and staff. If the spirit of co-operation between parent and teacher could be more fully developed, it would be of considerable benefit to the school. He concluded by thanking the board’s physical instructress (Miss Taylor) and the members of the staff for the active interest they had taken in the folk dancing since its introduction at the school.

Cheers for the visitors given lustily by the assembled children and the singing of the National Anthem brought the ceremony to a close after which the visitors were entertained to afternoon tea by the staff.