EXCELLENT BALLET

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7145, 14 December 1949, Page 7

EXCELLENT BALLET

PERFORMANCE OF “ALADDIN” AT TE KUITI No form of entertainment has wider and greater appeal than that given by children. There is something specially delightful in watching children with that lack of sophistication and natural charm that marks their effort, give of their very best when appearing on the stage. There is also no greater medium for childish selfexpression than dancing and that art is seen at its best in the ballet, a form of entertainment that is fast becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand. Ballet dancing of a uniformly high standard was seen in the Te Kuiti Winter Show Hall on Monday night when the pupils of Miss Elaine North of Mutu Street, gave a performance of “Aladdin” and the successes achieved at the pantomimes, two Te Awamutu presentations were outtandingly repeated at Te Kuiti. The Hall was packed and among the audience were a large number of Te Awamutu parents of the young dancers and admiring friends. The show has had two well-earned commendatory reports so that it is not the intention of this reporter to give a detailed account of Monday night’s entertainment, but merely to give some impressions. Miss North is fortunate in having a very talented number of pupils who have assimilated their able teacher’s capacity for imparting her knowledge From the most enchanting tiny tot up to the seniors, there was evidence of natural ability that was brought out and polished by tuition of a high degree coupled with a sympathetic understanding of what children can do. The young performers on whom fell the task of unfolding the story of “Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp,” acted and spoke their lines with a natural grace and charm that pleased exceedingly. The young dancers in a variety of dances and scenes were also more than pleasing and their efforts drew forth appreciative applause. The dressing was most beautiful and the attractive and intriguing frocks were a credit to Mrs North, Miss North and those responsible for their creation. The stage effects and lighting were pleasingly adequate. Mrs G. Lee and Mrs T: Nicholson, pianists shared a heavy night’s work which they discharged most satisfactorily. At the close of Monday night’s performance, Mr G. D. Shepherd thanked Miss North and Mrs North and all who had contributed to the success of “Aladdin.”

Miss North and her mother were enthusiastically greeted, wheft .they in response to a call from Mr Shepherd appeared on the stage. The presentation of boxes of chocolates, bouquets and other gifts to vhe performers was a pleasing recognition of the children’s efforts, and it with the .singing of the National Anthem brought a happy show 'to a close. Miss North’s many friends will join in congratulating her on the undoubted success of the three performances of “Aladdin.”