Ballet On Skates

The grace and poise of ballet; the speed and thrill of roller skating...these two qualities are being combined with spectacular results by a troupe of 12 Gisborne girls.

Under the tuition of Mr Ed Caughey, the girls are learning a series of skating ballets which will prove an asset to Gisborne when carnival time comes round again

Although all the girls were novices a few months ago, they have already perfected three routines.

"Photo News' captured these scenes during a regular Saturday morning practice at Cox's Park.

"I'm very pleased," says their instructor. "The girls are doing a grand job".

Leader of the troupe is Marcia Burch.

Mr Caughey learned the finer arts of skating as a young man in Auckland. Besides spending a lot of time on skates, he played in a band which provided the music at many of the carnivals. Later he began teaching ballet routines. He says that the Gisborne girls already compare favourably with the ballet troupes in other centres.