Evening star., 1939-01-08


at the National Theater.
If trials and tribulations besiege
your good nature and trouble tramps
at your doorstep, consider the lot of
a foreign ballet troup-and be
thankful you aren't a dancer.
In fact, consider in particular
the Yvonne Georgi Ballet Company
from Holland, which tonight makes
its American premiere at 8 o'clock
at the National Theater.
The performance, under auspices
of the Washington Thrift Shop for
the benefit of five children's char
tiles of the District. will be given
in spite of trying events and a lack
of proper rest and relaxation for
cast members
Nine. Georgi's company, first
Dutch ballet to visit the United
States, is composed of 20 members,
6 assistants, 40 trunks, 70 sets of
scenery, 100 props and other neces-
sary odds and ends to complete
the layout. The troup arrived in
Washington yesterday in two special
railroad cars.
Difficulties Recounted.
Nine. Georgi and j. j. Vincent,
prominent New York musical man
ager. who is supervising the troup's
American tour, yesterday related diff
hculties encountered by the COM
pany.
For a beginning, the ocean trip
was "the roughest I have ever
taken" Nine. Georgi declared, and
brought the usual shipboard all
ments to the cast. After days of
rough seas, the New York harbor
was sighted and every one felt
greatly relieved. But it was nearly
day and half later before the
dancers actually set foot on shore,
due to immigration and customs in
spections of nearly 600 refugee pas
sengers fleeing war-torn Europe.
Reaching New York at 8 pm.
Friday, the cast was rushed to two
special railroad coaches to continue
its jaunt to Washington. However,
only one car got away on schedule
at 10 pm, the other one Contain
ing personal luggage and freight)
being delayed for a later train. It
took until 3 am. to get the second
car loaded, and Nine. Georgi stayed
behind to help Mr.. Vincent with
final details. They arrived at 7:45
am. Saturday, and were interviewed
and photographed at II.
Some of the artists, arriving on
the first coach, had little in the way
OF personal apparel and were forced
to sleep partly clothed, awaiting the
second cars arrival. At least they
didn't "overwork" the hotel staff
with their luggage.
But we are all together again."
Nine. Georgi smilingly added, "and
with barely time for a rehearsal It
has been, as you Americans say,
somewhat trying, no?"
First Visit to America.
Though somewhat trying" for
one and all, three sleepy but excited
members of the troup were present
at the interview, posing graciously
for pictures which reveal that
Americas women dancers have no
monopoly on the worlds charm
market. The Dutch maidens, pretty
and vivacious, who take prominent
parts in the ballet were Miss Jenny
Roders, Miss Miep Verstijneh and
Miss Marie yer der Veen.
This is their first visit to America,
as for all other members of the
company, except Nine. Georgi, who
toured this country three years ago
on solo dance program. The
young women were looking forward
to their first leisurely walk in Amer
lea, with an eye to window shop
ping" in this strange city.
The Georgi company has been
touring Europe for three years and
last Summer headed a cast of 200
dancers taking part in the national
jubilee honoring Hollands royal
family.
Tonight's program will portray
four ballets, THE Creatures Of
Promethus," drama; Souvenir"
a comedy by Joaquin Turina; Lyric
Dance Scene. by Florent Schmitt,
and Dutch Country Dances" with
choreography by Nine. Georgi.
The conductor accompanies will be
Wolfgang Wijdeveld and Luctor>
Ponse.
Following the premiere, the group
starts a two-month tour of the East
and Midwest.
The Thrift Shop will turn over
proceeds of the performance to
five District institutions including
Children's County Home, Children's
Hospital, Pre- Natal Clinic of Colum-
bia Hospital, Child Welfare and
Junior League. Mrs. John r. Will
iams is chairman of the Thrift
Shop unit and Mrs. w. A. Graham
the manager.
California nrod,1eAA tA1 M M