Port Elizabeth Ballet Club

Founding and early history

The Port Elizabeth Ballet Club was founded by a small group of enthusiastic people in April (June?) 1946 who were determined to promote a public interest in an art not previously represented in the City.

The chairman was Hal Venter and Mrs Janet Paton, secretary with committee members Lili Hamber, Mrs Mary Smith, nee Mary Edring, Mrs Molly Paterson (who was Miss Molly Smith, an operatic dancer before her marriage), Miss Olivia Castignani, Daphne Mann (wife of famous cricketer Tufty Mann), Robert Bain, (a teacher at the Technical College Art Department), Mrs Kay Copeland and Basil Fogarty.

In December 1946, the Club presented a Russian exponent of the impressionistic modern school and folk dancing, Masha Arseneiva, who was accompanied by her husband, Boris Ignaff and Estelle de la Ville. Afterwards the Port Elizabeth Ballet Club made her an Honorary Member.

The Club’s next venture, in March 1947, was four performances at the Port Elizabeth Opera House of the Cape Town University Ballet Company under the direction of Dulcie Howes. Dancers included student Editha Mills from Queenstown, student Mary-Jane Harris, student Myrtle Martin and teaching assistant Renee Feller from East London. Frieda Smallhorne teaches dancing in Cape Town.

Four ballets, "St Valentine's Night," "My Lady's Mercy," "Bach Suite'" and "Pliaska" provided the highlights of each evening.

Port Elizabeth expressed its appreciation of the first-ever ballet season with such warmth to demonstrate that the Club had fulfilled a public service.

At the conclusion of the season, Dulcie Howes graciously accepted the position of Honorary Life Presidency of the Club.

As the first season drew to a close the Club arranged for the world famous interpreter of Spanish music, Adrina Otero, to come to Port Elizabeth where, supported by Estelle de la Ville, they thrilled the audience with their vivacious and polished exhibition.

Masha Arseneiva returned to Port Elizabeth for the second season and the world-renowned artists, Markova and Dolin gave an exhibition of classic and modern ballet.

On May 8 - 12, 1950, the Cape Town University Ballet, under the direction of Dulcie Howes, returned for a series of performances at the Opera House, Port Elizabeth.

The Club held regular meetings with demonstrations and classes by dancing members under the direction of teaching members.

Exhibitions were held which illustrated some of the necessary training required of a ballerina.

Aims and function

The aims were to promote interest in the art of ballet by affording opportunities for students to take part in classic and modern ballet.

Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

1953: The Club was one of the organisations which participated in the play King Henry VIII which was staged at the Feather Market Hall to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sources

Saturday Post, March 29, 1947.

Saturday Post, March 15, 1947.

Port Elizabeth Ballet Club theatre programme - 1950

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