DANCE RECITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17382, 10 November 1924, Page 9

DANCE RECITAL.

MISS M’DONALD’S PUPILS AT CHORAL HALL.

A dance recital, given by the pupils of Aliss Bessie Al’DonaVl, in aid of the funds of the St Saviour's orphanages, was held in the Choral Had on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance and the funds of the. orphanages should benefit very considerably as the result of the recital. Over fifty pupils of varying ages took part and Aliss Al'Donald herself appeared in two items. The babies, aged about five or six. caused merriment. The;, appeared first in an item. “ A Dancing School in Fairyland,’’ in which Master Ralph Richards was the instructor. He put them through their paces in a smart manner, and the way in which the tiny tots p’ayed their parts reflected a great deal of credit on Aliss At’D.jnald. A dance worthy of special mention was the “ Gavotte Picquante,” by the senior gii*ls. They were gorgeously dressed in the fashions of the eighteenth century, the men with much bepowdered wigs, tight-fitting breeches and dainty silk kerchiefs, and the ladies in the many-flounced crinolines, wigs and black “ beauty spots." The dainty and elaborate curtseys of the period were performed correctiv and the effect was good. The solo parts were taken by Misses Bessie AFDonald and Carma Prisk. Another excellent piece of work was the ballet “ Plastieiue,” by the seniors gills. This was a form of eurythmic dance performed to a lively tune, the dance caning for a deal of athletic ability, yet being executed with great grace and charm. The item was heaitily applauded. A dance entitled “ Carnival" by the junior girls was verv well executed and formed a fitting opening to the programme. The soloist in this was Nancy Wright. The next item was a song, “ Felix Kept on Walking." sung by Arline Power, who was assisted by ballet. Then came the dance “ C.harmante,” by Gladys Rose. She was heartily applauded for her effort. Acrobatic feats performed by a baby pupil, Pat Gregory. were the cause, of much amusement. The senior girls then appeared in a dance “ Jazanjaz,” which was gone through with ease and grace. The " Danse Fantastique," by Doreen Oliver, was very pretty and worthy of praise. The song ‘ Romany Rose.” by Della Prisk, Sheelah Chapman and ballet. was particularly well rendered. The dance "Caprice,” by the juniors, was a little ragged in places, but on the whole it was done well. A “ Dance do Joy." by Alaureen Campoeil. was a good effort, as also was the clog dance by Ralph Richards. The first half of the programme was brought to a ciose with an ensemble. After the interval a short playlet, “ A Christmas Dream,” was staged, the parts being taken by the following: — Father Christmas, Trevor Richards, fairy, Joan Potter; two dreaming girls, Joan Osborne and Doreen Olivci ; dolis, Betty Waters and Thelma fVnson: two ballet girls, Marjorie Shaw and Kathleen Riordan; fascination, Iris Hawker; . Highlander, Alary Reid: wood-nymph, 1 Alae. Aliller; Celeste, Winnie Hall and Freda Taylor: Hon, Nancy Wright. Following this was a dance entitled “ A Begging Flower Girl,” by Ada Rawson. This was a particularly good piece of work and the audience signified their appreciation. Next came the song, “ Lullaby Land.” by Gladys Rose and the baby ballet. The little girls rendered it very prettily. Little Pat May, who followed with the solo part in a dance “ Folly,” was ably assisted by the ballet of junior girls. The “ Ballet Russe,” by the senior girls, was worthy of special attention. Members of the ballet were dressed in military garb and the dance was of a military nature. The solo part was taken by Aliss Arline Power. After a gymnastic display by Joyce Bonney and Doreen Oliver, the juniors occupied the stage for some time in solo dances. These were all artistically executed and showed painstaking practice. Aliss Bessie M Donald then appeared again in a dance entitled “ Cat and Canary.” In this she was assisted by Hilda Taylor ana a ballet of senior girls. The “ Danse Fantastique,’ by little Pat May, and a Chinese dance by Enid Lawson, Margaict Weavers and ballet, both well performed, preceded the closing item of the programme —a “ Farmyard Wedding,” m which the whole company had parts. Dressed as turkeys, hens, roosters and chickens, the effect was a pleasing spectacle. Topical interest was introduced by the appearance of two of the pupils made up as a horse bearing the name of Sunart, the winnci ot the Cup on that day. The horse appeared to the accompaniment of the latest foxtrot tunc, "Horsey Keep Your Tail programme will be repeated tonight.