The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-05-29
DANCING CLASSES
An Evening With Terpis-
chorean Juveniles.
Mrs. Gums Dancing Class in
AriOn Hall-PronOunced
Success.

small factor in the education of chill
dren, for it is upon this that they will
have to make demands in their every
day life. 1t is a factor that counts
largely in the conduct of ones self be-
fore his or her fellows. How much
more acceptable is an easy, self-pos-
sessed person than an awkward one,
who knows just where not to place the
hands and just how to get all mixed
up in the matter of feet. What better
way is there to teach this very much to
be desired grace of movement than
through the medium of the dance?
For many months has Mrs. Hugh
Gum struggled with children in Arion
hall in her effort to make them grace
full, and to her credit, it may be said
that she has succeeded in teaching
very great many just what she has set
out to do.
Last night was given an entertain
ment in Arion hall, which demonstrate
ed the painstaking care that has been
exercised with some 40 children during
several weeks last past. This was an
exhibition of fancy dancing by the
children of Mrs. Gums school.
The hall was very tastefully decorat-
ed. festoons of vines of various kinds
grazing the doors, windows and lights.
Flags formed curtains for number OF
the doors. while all around on the
verandas outside were strung Japanese
lanterns. All available space was TAX
en-, among the number present being
large number of society ladies OF the
city. Every door and window was oc-
cupied by those who had presented
themselves too late to get seat in
side
The little children, the majority OF
whom were girls, were seated around
the lower end of the hall, and shortly
after o'clock rose and formed into
four lines for a fancy drill. composed
of the steps necessary in the acquire
ment of fancy dancing. The children
went through with their parts adj
mirabIy. The pretty little pink, white
and blue dresses with the equally pref
ty stockings, of which perhaps the lit
tie ones were just wee bit conscious,
| made a pretty effect.
The preliminary drill finished, the
children gave an exhibition of the va
rious polka steps and other dances.
Then came four little boys in number
| of graceful movements.
After q short rest, came one or the
| best features of the entertainment-the
| Spanish dance. with graceful hgures
and poses. by Helene Irwin, Margaret
Freeth, Florence Lyon and Irene Fish
er. conceded to be among the best dan
GERS in the class. They handled their
| Il nd
as if fresh from Sunny Spain. Upon
completing the dance, the girls were
heartily applauded.
| After this. came promiscuous dane
ing bv the children, and then the very
hest number on the programme
hornpipe dance-by young Oliver Lam
sing. the son of T. F. Lansing. Dressed
sailors costume, and possessed of par
ticularIy nimble feet, he took the house
by storm by his dancing of that good
old English dance His climbing the
rope act was great.
At 9 o'clock the children were given
the refreshments they so richly de-
served, the floor was cleared and the
grown people were given possession OF
the floor for dancing to music by the
Ouintette Club. There were at least
so couples on the floor to say nothing
of those in the audience who did not
dance.
Mrs. Gum was on the floor during
all of the dancing by the children and
directed their movements.
Mrs. Alice Brown presided at the
piano.
The little daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Stolz was much admired on account of
| her aptitude in dancing.
The little BOYS were scarce. The
girls are certainly ahead in their zeal
to learn how to dance.
Mr. and Mrs. VIM. G.. Irwin were in
| terested spectators.
Robert Atkinson collected tickets
| and money. while Wilder Wight show
! ed people to seats until there were
none left.
The driveway from King street,
| through the old Gibson premises to
| Arion hall. was a very pretty prone
! r1a01nOtnd