DISPLAY OF DANCING

Southland Times, Issue 21848, 27 October 1932, Page 6

DISPLAY OF DANCING

MR ALEX SUTHERLAND’S PUPILS. A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. To lovers of good, bright and varied entertainment an important date on the calendar is always that of the annual display of Highland and classic dancing presented by the talented pupils of Mr Alex Sutherland and his assistant, Miss Madge Flaus. Such demonstrations by the Southland School of Dancing in the past have proved very popular with the Invercargill public and a most enviable reputation has been built up during the passing years. This was even further enhanced last evening when a large audience in the Civic Theatre was delighted with the high standard of the 1932 display. In the programme submitted all tastes were catered for, quantity, quality and variety being very much in evidence. The youth in most cases of the performers gave the demonstration an added charm and on all sides appreciation was expressed of the work of Mr Sutherland’s clever band of juvenile dancers. They were quite at ease behind the footlights and acquitted themselves with credit to their instructors and themselves. Tap ballets by both junior and senior members of the school proved popular items, the effectiveness of these colourful scenes being due in no small measure to the excellent lighting effects provided by Messrs Little and Colbran. A feature of the programme was the return of the Small Tack San troupe of acrobats and contortionists to the number of nearly a score. Once more these child wonders kept the audience highly entertained as they performed their various evolutions. Even so spineless a creature as a jelly-fish was outdone by the versatile juveniles as they tumbled about the stage and twisted themselves into all sorts of postures. At the conclusion of their turns they were greeted with sustained applause. Another interesting feature was the demonstration of national dancing from the first movement to the finish given by pupils of the school under the guidance of Mr Sutherland. He explained the various steps which were performed by counting and then to music supplied first by the “school orchestra,” then the piper and finally the full dance orchestra. Of particular merit was the exhibition of the Scann Triubhais given by Miss Dorothy Forrester and that of the Irish Jig by Masters Jim Waddell and Billy Canning.

The choice of supporting artists was a fortunate one, enjoyable vocal items being given by Miss Daphne Pearce, Miss Muriel Lindsay, Mr W. Reddington and Master Alex Lindsay. In every case an encore was insistently demanded by the audience. Of such a length was the programme that it was nearly eleven o’clock before the demonstration came to an end. The following were the items: Opening ensemble, Highland fling, 37 members of the school; clog dance, Miss Brenda Hamilton; fan ballet, Misses Edna Aldridge and Helen Wade with ballet; sea scena “Go To Sea,” Master Alex Lindsay and 14 sailors; mime tap due, Misses Kitty Sutherland and Sylvia Raines; song “Hail Caledonia” (Stroud) Miss Daphne Pearce; a wee ballet “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo,” wee Valda Calder and ballet; demonstration of Highland dancing, first movement to finish, pupils of the school; Sean Triubhais, Miss Dorothy Forrester; Irish jig double, Masters Jim Waddell and Billy Canning; Russian dance, Miss Isobel Macdonald; a wee fancy dance “Teddy Bear,” Miss Helen Wade; song “Take A Pair of Sparkling Eyes” (Sullivan), Mr W. Reddington; dance scena “The Birthday,” housemaids, dolls, soldiers, clown, gaiety girls and tap dancers; acrobatic display, Small Tack San troupe; duet, “Bonnie Dundee,” Miss Muriel and Master .Ilex Lindsay; orange ballet, Miss Rosie Tomlins and ballet; song “Serenade” (Schubert) Mr W. Reddington; display, Gillie Callum, the school; Spanish dance, Miss Gloria Bull; Irish reels, two sets; trio, “Bubbles,” Misses Kitty Sutherland, Gloria Bull and Coral Gudgeon; operatic dance “Pizzicato,” Miss Sylvia Raines; advanced Irish jig, Miss Dorothy Forrester; senior tap ballet, Miss Mary Hamilton and ballet; song “Break o’ Day” (Sanderson) Miss Daphne Pearce;

final ensemble, Reel o’ Tulloch and Highland reels, ten sets. Incidental music of an enjoyable nature was supplied by the Ambassadors’ Orchestra under the leadership of Mr Robert Henry. Piping for the dancing was provided by Mr Lindsay Taylor and pianoforte accompaniments were played by Mr Gordon Lindsay.