DANCE RECITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 296, 14 December 1931, Page 3

DANCE RECITAL.

Fine Programme by Miss Manhire’s Pupils.

Covering all classes of dancing from the classic to the modern type, and yet leaving room for several distinctly original interpretations, the programme presented on Saturday evening at the Radiant Hall by the pupils of Miss Dorothy Manhire combined the elements of colourful staging, tuneful singing and dainty dancing into a pleasing and harmonious whole. In presenting a dance recital with pupils of all grades of skill and aptitude, a producer faces an unenviable task. Miss Manhire, however, was equal to the occasion and the resultant performance fully deserved the support and applause given -to it by a large audience. The programme went with a swing, solo items being varied by ballets and vocal numbers.

As usual the “ babies,” with their dainty frocks and equally dainty ways, quickly won the sympathy of the audience. One cheerfully independent toddler caused amusement as she went through her steps oblivious of her fellows. In “ Frolic,” a light ballet, the small children were seen at their best.

The climax of the performance was the “ Purity Brigade ” ballet, from that evergreen favourite, the ” Belle of New York.” Tuneful singing and finished work by the ballets combined to

form a fitting climax to a well-arranged recital. The proceeds from the performance were in aid of the funds of the Christchurch division of the St John Free Ambulance Brigade, members of which acted as ushers. The programme was as follows: Operatic dance, babies; duo, Coreen Jewell and Iris Shepperd, soloists, Peggy Hart and Pat Richardson; military toe dance, Miss Marjorie Austin; duo, “ Sweet Jennie Lee,” Freda Manhire and Norma Smith; dance, “Pas Seul,” Coreen Jewell; duo, June and Douglas Shepperd; ballet, “ Spring,” seniors; butterfly dance, Audrey M’Nish; skipping duo, Alison M’Coy and Norma Smith; song and dance, “Anchor’s Aweigh,” Douglas Shepperd; duo, Misses Iris Manhire and Marjorie Austin; ballet, “The Seasons,” Betty Shrubshall. Alison M’Coy, Audrey M’Nish, June Shepperd; dance, “A Flame,” Freda Manhire; dance, “Pas Seul.” Hazel Neil; skipping dance, Miss Marjorie Austin; ballet, “Schoolgirls,” intermediates; dance, “Waltz Time,” Miss Iris Manhire; song, Mr Douglas Suckling; tap duo, June and Douglas Shepherd; ballet, “Frolic,” babies; waltz, " Sur le Pointe,” Miss Marjorie Austin: ballet, “Bubbles,” soloist, Betty Buckley; dance, “A Moth,” Iris Shepperd; tap ballet, seniors; duo, Audrey M’Nish and Norma Smith; dance, “Glow-worm,” Nancy Manhire; dance, “ Goddess of Flowers,” Betty Laverty; dance, “ Acrobatique,” Miss Marjorie Austin; dance, “ Espagnoli,” Alison M'Lay: ballet, “Bell Boys,” soloist, Betty Buckley; song and dance, “ Moonlight Saving Time,” Norma Smith; song, Mr Douglas Suckling; finale, “ Purity Brigade,” the company. [i m ®himm m m is isn snsi m ® u n m ss