Ritual Fire Dance

Interpretative dancing, especially when presented in a cabaret atmosphere, has always had strong appeal. At a recent social function in Gisborne, "Photo News" was intrigued by the dramatic effect of a young Gisborne dancing teacher's version of Manuel de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance". So was the audience, which gave the item a big hand. The dancer: Helen Godwin.

The story, briefly, is about a young native girl who is cast out by her elders and condemned to die in the flames. Realising her lot, she begins a frenzied dance which rises to a climax of wild abandon. It ends with a last futile plea for life before she yields to her fate.

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Helen, thrown to floor, gets notice of her impending doom.

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She rises to begin her dance.

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Like a trapped animal, she reaches the zenith of her fury.