STEPPING ON STAGE AT 5 YEARS OLD

I made my stage debut at the tender age of 5.

Mother sent me off to the local calisthenics club where I learnt marching, exercises, clubs, rods and dance routines.  Whilst I enjoyed the classes I particularly liked the dance routines.

Each year the club, made up of sub-juniors, juniors, intermediates and seniors would perform a concert at the Adelaide Town Hall.  At the end of my first year, the routine for the sub-juniors was ‘Run, Rabbit Run’.  Our costumes were very cute with long ears and a fluffy bob-tail.  My role was to hop across to the other side of the stage, stop and look around for the farmer with his gun then hop back to where I entered and beckon the rest of the bunnies on stage because the coast was clear. 

My dream was to become a ballerina when I grew up so I started ballet classes with the Thargoh School of Ballet with Eileen Hogarth.

 I was in heaven!!! 

Yes, it was demanding.  I learned the discipline of holding my body correctly and the repetition necessary to master the steps.

Each year Miss Hogarth would present a pantomine performed by her pupils.  A great deal of time and work went into the dances, rehearsals, costumes etc.  Alice in Wonderland was probably my favourite.  I was cast as the Mad Hatter which was great fun. 



Not my most attractive moment







The March Hare, Door Mouse and
the Madhatter

I also danced in a beautiful yellow chiffon costume. I believe we represented wheat blowing in the wind.

  A very graceful dance.