NEW ZEALAND DANCER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21218, 14 September 1940, Page 13 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND DANCER

GREAT SUCCESS IN LONDON

ONE OF WORLD S BEST Bebe de Roland, the New Zealand dancer, has just completed a most successful tour of London and the provinces as Prima Ballerina of the Ballet de la Jeunesse Anglaise. Bebe left New Zealand when she was nearly twelve years of age. after studying dancing with the late Joseph Knowsley. At fourteen years she danced the chief dancing role in Mr T. C. Fairbairn’s huge production of “ Faust ” at the Albert Hall, in aid of Lord Baldwin’s Fund for Refugees. The same role was danced by Alicia Markova (one of the four greatest ballerinas in the world) the previous year. Her dancing caused a stir in London, and was mentioned as the highlight of the production. There were over 400 performers in the beautiful pageant—singers and dancers, and the Wellington girl was interviewed afterwards by many press men. On her fourteenth birthday she danced before Massine (just on his way to the United States) and Nicolai Sergueeff, once maitre de ballet of the old Maryinsky Theatre in Pavlova and Nijinsky’s time, and now producer at the Old Vic. Sergueeff’s comment afterwards was: “ She is the best dancer in London today.” Created Many Rolwt In the Ballet de la Jeunesse Anglaise, Bebe de Roland has created many roles, the most ambitious being “ Ballerina,” a ballet in thre« acts, with music by Liszt, choreography by Lydia Kyasht, Junr., and decor and costumes bv Elinor Watts. It had its premiere in Glasgow, and the critical Scottish town gave the Wellington girl an ovation every time It was performed. The first act shows her as the student, in a grey practice tunic. The second act is where she is famous, in white and gold short ballet skirts, with gold laurel leaves in her hair. The final act is where the ballerina is aged and tired, dressed in a long grey net frock, dotted with tearshaped spangles, and the same tearshaped spangles in her hair. It requires a great deal of emotional acting, as well as a brilliant technique. After “ Ballerina,” by way of contrast she appeared in “ Cherrystones,” a gay little ballet full of mischievous humour. She also danced the 44 Andante ” movement in “ Chopiniana,” with its soft slow flowing rhythms, and again in “ Picnic.” she danced the chief role. Another popular ballet was " Sylvia,” by Delibes, Bebe appearing as 44 Amour.” Flattering Press Notices The following are a few of the press notices taken from many:— Fair and entrancing, with her flirtatious vivacity.—Bath Chronicle. A great ballerina.— Scotsman. An artist of the first rank.—Daily Mail. Dancing more exquisite than ever. •—The Express. Her work deserved the repeated curtain calls.—Citizen Glasgow. Has the desirable combination of youth, beauty, vivacity and grace to a high degree.—Glasgow Evening Times