NEW ZEALAND YOUTH

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 13 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND YOUTH

SUCCESS AS BALLET DANCER HOME FOR HOLIDAY Bryan Ashbridge, a 15-year-old dancer who has been distinguishing himself in Sydney, arrived back in Auckland. He has been dancing in de Basil's ballet. Bryan is the holder of the coveted solo Seal, the highest award of the Royal Academy of Dancing. Only five people hold this award in Australia, and one other in New Zealand. He has returned to

visit his motlfer and father, and to spend three months at home before returning to do more strenuous work. Acting on Anton Dolin’s advice, this young boy will take up ballet dancing as a life work. He has been told by Dolin and other experienced artsists that he has a great future. He commenced study when he was four-years-old. “People are apt to think that it is ! a ‘sissy’ kind of occupation,” Mrs Ashbridge, his mother, said. “But they are very mistaken. Bryan has to work like a horse. This work demands absolute physical fitness, ani for a person to be completely absorbed in it. Diet is rigidly strict, to ensure perfect health.” When Bryan returns to Melbourne his mother will accompany him. and later, if he goes to America for further study, she hopes to go with him.