DANCING TRUE TO TRADITION

Southland Times, Issue 23946, 12 October 1939, Page 9

DANCING TRUE TO TRADITION

COLOURFUL DISPLAYS IN CIVIC THEATRE

MR A. SUTHERLAND’S PUPILS PERFORM

Much of the beauty of national dancing lies in the strict observance of the correct steps and it is the way in which he has preserved the tradition of Highland dancing that has won Mr A. Sutherland, principal of the Southland School of Highland and Classic Dancing, such a high reputation. The annual demonstration by the school in the Civic Theatre last night afforded clear proof of the valuable work which Mi Sutherland and his assistant, Miss Madge Flaus, are performing in Naming the young people of Southland to dance strictly in accordance with tradition. . , Each year this demonstration draws big houses and last evening the theatre was again filled. The audience was privileged to see a most colourful display of dancing and that it thoroughly enjoyed the various items was plainly evident by the applause. The tap dancing was captivating and the operatic dancing was delightful, but it was the national dancing which was the outstanding feature of the programme. In the Highland dance the steps must be true to type, but in recent years modern innovations have robbed the dance of some of its dignity and character. However, the pupils of the Southland School of Dancing have not been allowed to indulge in fanciful touches and Mr Sutherland has done more than his share in keeping the dance true to tradition. Miss Flaus was responsible for the costumes in the operatic and tap dances; these were designed with taste and worn with grace. All the'pupils entered info the spirit of the dances and it was evident that they took a delight in their work. The verve with which they performed came from genuine enthusiasm; there was not an item done perfunctorily.

FORCEFUL OPENING It is difficult to single out items for special mention because of the uniform excellence of the programme. A forceful opening was provided when 90 pupils performed the Gillie Callum in spirited style. This is a dance of defiance and its character was well captured by the performers. After a ballet by two tiny tots, with Valerie Fox as soloist, Mabel Swan showed the exciting intricacy of the American tap dance. Both educational and enjoyable was the display of first steps in Highland dancing. Mr Sutherland emphasized to the audience the medical benefits to be gained from Highland dancing and illustrated the progress made by a girl who had not walked until she was five and then only after two operations. This girl came under the tuition of Mr Sutherland, who gave her simple Highland movements which gradually developed her legs. The girl was present on the stage and the audience was able to see for itself the physical benefits to be derived from Highland dancing. Mr Sutherland also told how, with breathing exercises and dancing, he cured a boy of asthma. After several bright ballets, in two of which Rosie Tomlins and Nola Burns were the soloists, Gwen Bradshaw was seen in an American tap dance. She pleased the audience with her effort. Other attractive items in the first half were an American tap trio (Shirley Flaus, Billie Canning and Gwen Bradshaw) and an operatic ballet (Molly Alabaster, Betty Bews and ballet). Joan Shand, Nannie McLeod, Rita Troon, Athol McCrostie and Marjorie Brown danced the Seann Triubhas with grace and dignity. A feature of the second half was a grand display of the Highland fling by almost 100 pupils, ranging in age from 5 to 16 years. The stage presented a colourful scene as small girls and big girls performed the fling in skilful style. Many different tartans were represented in this display, which proved one of the most effective items of the evening. The clansman’s sword dance, specially arranged by Mr Sutherland, was another popular display. Other items included a western, tap and operatic ballets and a display of Irish reels. Against an absorbing background provided by a ballet of senior pupils, Nan Brumby sang “Mother Nature” in delightful fashion. Reel O’Tulloch was performed by Athol McCrostie, Rita Troon, Marjorie Brown and Mona Campbell and 28 pupils took part in the final item, a Highland reel. Mr Sutherland has always been happy in the choice of his assisting artists and last night was no exception. Mr John Pringle, baritone, was the soloist engaged for the evening and his. appearance was a popular one. His songs included “Changing of the Guard,” “The Green Eyed Dragon” and “The Company Sergeant Major.”

The musical director was Mr Howard Moody and the piper, Mr Lindsay Taylor.