Gymnastics for Ladies.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume III, Issue 110, 1 September 1892, Page 10

Gymnastics for Ladies.

Prof. Carrollo was holding high carnival at his Gymnasium, Y.M.C.A. Rooms, on Saturday evening last. It was the occasion of his lady pupils’ annual display. Tickets were by invitation, and were only tendered to the parents and lady friends of the pupils. The rooms were gaily decorated with flags and mottos. It was only with great difficulty that seating accommodation was found for the large number of people who availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing this somewhat novel display. Promptly at eight o’clock proceedings commenced with dumb-bell exercise to a pianoforte accompaniment. Fifty-six pupils took part, and the good and even time kept by the performers was particularly remarkable; oftentimes the whole fifty-six bells would ring out with one sound. Marching evolutions followed, and here gymnastic training showed itself in the upright carriage and erect figures of the girls. An exhibition of light Indian clubs was the next item, and the young lady performer came in for high praise for the admirable manner in which she manipulated these weapons. Her movements were wonderfully graceful and easy, and the variety and intricate nature of the different exercises she introduced made this one of the best club displays we have seen in this city. Horizontal ladder work included the whole of the pupils, and after watching them for a little while one almost came to the conclusion that walking on the hands was quite as natural as walking on the feet. The next item (fencing) was somewhat unusual in ladies’ gymnastics. Considerable interest was manifested as to how the fair performers would acquit themselves of their somewhat difficult task. After the grand salute masks were assumed, and proceedings commenced in real earnest. The ladies showed considerable ability in both attack and defence, and with but a little more practice will make the sterner sex look to their laurels in this particular department. Both ladies had to bow their acknowledgments to the floral tributes that rewarded their efforts. In the jumping exercise that followed the pupils showed that this branch was quite equal to the work that preceded it. Some of the young ladies displayed great proficiency, and, moreover, they all seemed to

thoroughly enjoy their work. Exhibitions were given on the hand-rings and parallel bars, and the exercises indulged in were such as would strengthen the muscles and develop the body without incurring any danger of injury. Indian clubs in squad to music closed the performance, and here again, as in the dumb-bells, the good time was the feature of the item. We congratulate the Professor upon the success that has attended his ladies’ class, and we trust before the next carnival comes round that he will have prevailed upon his pupils to admit their gentlemen friends as well as their lady friends. It seems a pity that such a splendid entertainment should be restrictive in its character.