THE COMPETITIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20614, 15 May 1935, Page 11

THE COMPETITIONS.

High Standard of Performances. YESTERDAY’S RESULTS. Items ranging from sword dances to vocal duets were features of a good programme offered at the Competitions last evening. A high standard was maintained throughout, but the children again outshone the adults. The standard of their performances frequently r*ached that of the higher sections. For instance, in the piano duet, under twelve, the techniique -of the pair of plryers was equal to that expected of more advanced and older pupils. Two different types . of characters were chosen by the finalists in the recitation for boys and girls, twelve and under sixteen. Miss Patricia Sorrell, as the volatile Miss Mowober, gave a creditable impersonation, although the part was a difficult one. Apart from the diminutive stature of Steerforth’s manicurist, necessitating an awkward ambling gait, there was the oonsScferatioTi of continuity. Unless the listener were acquainted with tflie circumstances that surrounded the particular episode chosen, the speech and sayings of the subject did not carry much moaning. In the story of catching a mouse, told by Miss Daphne Lye. the events were much more clearly followed toy the audience, although Miss Sorrell’s work bore the stamp of very careful study and preparation.

The bagpipes made their first appearance last evening in the sword dance. The lour finalists deserved great Praise for their work in this class, each competitor executing the intricate steps with precision ancf grace. Miss Billie Addis displayed an amazing versatility. Her first appearance wa* made in the sword dance, and she follova d this with a wonderful exhibition of tap dancing. Her success in : , this department of the art was heightened by a bright and vivacious personality. Mr Douglas Shepherd gave a polished performance, his beats being very distinct even in the miefst of several advanced movements. Results of yesterday’s judging were as follows; PIANO DUET. Under twelve. Own selection. Eleven Misses Xoeline Gibbard and Litzer Bui nett (Christchurch), “First Waltz,” 85 points 1 Misses Valerie Owens and Lynda Farr (St Albans), “Norwegian Dance.” 82 points 2 Miss Rona Larsen and Master Toby Bniith (Christchurch), “ Scherzo Caprice,*’ 78 points 3 Highly commended: Misses Patricia and Monica McCarthy (New Brighton). The judge, Mr Will Hutchens, Mns. Bar., Wanganui, said that it was a very fair class. He had noticed the usual fault of the second player overweighting the first. The winners gave a thrilling performance, notable for its precision, tone, colour and execution. JUNIOR RECITATION. : Boys, eight and under twelve. Not humorous. Ten entries. Master Jack Robb (St Albans), “ Grousing,” 77 points 1 Master Freeman Holmes (Christchurch), “Tubal Cain.” 75 points 2 Master Max Tonkin (Somerfield), King’s Job.” 73 points 3 Highly commended: Master Noel Coutts (Riccarton). RECITATION IN CHARACTER. Boy or Girl, twelve and under sixteen. Humorous. Eighteen entries. Miss Patricia Sorrell (Linwood), “Miss Mowclier.” 82 points .... 1 Miss /Daphne Lye {New Brighton), “Catching a Mouse.” 77 points . . 2 Very highly commended: Master Sydney Davies (Dunedin) and Misses Marjorie M c Taggart (Dunedin) and Lola ■ Jeffries (Linwood). Highly commended: , Misses Joan Grade (St Albans) and Alwys Watson (Richmond). “The standard of work caused me to be rather disappointed,” said the judge, Mr R. T. Bush, Greymouth. He de- > pjored the lack of humour, saying that of eighteen competitors only two deserved being recalled. The winner gave a very good performance. TAP OR STEP DANCE. Thirteen and over. Dance suitable for musical c-omedy. Twenty-one entries. Master Doug. Shepherd (-Linwood), 87 points 1 Miss Billie Addis (Christchurch), 86 points 2 Miss June Shepherd (Linwood), 82 points 3 Very highly commended— Misses Mavis Andrews (Christchurch) and Clare Brown (Christchurch). Highly commended—Miss Orma Ford (Timarn) and Master Doug Fleming (Christchurch). Commended—Misses Erin Matthews (Sydenham) and Norma Smith (Papanui). The judge described the dancing as the most enjoyable class so far at the festival. The work of some competitors was too laboured, but there were many bright performances. Master Shepherd’s work was clean and graceful, and he danced with a natural ease. He was inclined to forget his facial expression at times. Miss Addis’s dance was well arranged, and her footwork clean : and crisp. U uncompleted classes were heard as follows:—Children’s action chorus, under fifteen, first section: vocal duet, woman, own selection, first section;: ballet, any age. second section: twenty minutes’ entertainment, any age, second This evening’s programme in the Civic Theatre, commencing at 7.30 p.m., will include:—Piano solo, ten and under twelve; recitation, girs, twelve and under fourteen: seann triubhais. under twelve sacred solo, soprano, open class; character or semi-character dance, sixteen and over, first section; humorous recitation, girls, twelve and under sixteen; acrobatic dance, any aee, first, section; song and dance, teams of eight, second section: song in character, man dance, under thirteen: Dominion recita- . ticn. women, own selection: character or semi-character dance, second section;