earliest memory

I think my earliest memory is of having this photo taken. Dad was trying to take the photo while Mum was standing on the back steps giving me instructions. I can still "hear" her voice telling me how to stand etc.

Receiving instructions

You can see the difference in the second photo. a big smile! feet in "third postion."

Don't you love that bathing cap!!!!! It was bright red as were the bands on the dress. I distinctly remember the feel of them. Not sure about the white part but the red bands were of a very stiff fabric. I think of heavy waterproof raincoats when I imagine it.

I was probably 4 years old at the time. I started learning dancing at age 31/2 and this would have been for my first recital. I dont remember that but like to think I have a little "claim to fame" as having danced on the Brisbane City Hall stage at the age of 4!

I was enrolled in the Thelma Robertson School of Dancing which I have read in recent years was at that time THE place to be. It was later taken over by Joy and Fay Bassett ; The younger sister Nell used come in after school in her high school uniform to help and later joined Joy full time when Fay was married. Their mother was the pianist. She also played for our exams which only made me more nervous as I was sure she would be reporting back to the teachers!The Bassett school remained the most prestigious school in Brisbane.

I have no memory of early lessons; I expect they were on a Saturday morning and that Mum would have taken me in on the tram as we didn't have a car. ( Cars were only for the at that time.)

I continued learning until I was 18 or 19. I did all the primary grade exams( an examiner came out from London) and what is known as the Elementary which made me a Member of the Royal Academy of Dancing. We were allowed to use those intitals but that was later stopped until you had passed your Solo Seal which was the highest exam  and I think still is.; Iwas working towards my Intermediate when I decided to stop. I was busy with Speech & Drama, piano lessons, study, all combined with transport difficulties. I was having trouble with the toe work which we  started after the primary exams but as I was/am very flatfooted with no arch in my instep , the toe work was very difficult and becoming painful.

I was in many recitals in the City Hall and can recall all the excitement of being onstage, the backstage corridors and dressing rooms etc It all gave rise to my great love of theatre and performing.

One performance I clearly remember was a duet when I was about 7 or 8. It was to the music of "Little mister baggy britches...I love you..." We were dressed as a Dutch girl and boy.I was a bit miffed that I had to be the boy while the prettier girl with curls got to be the girl!

I had a white satin suit trimmed with silver braid. I wore a white pointed cap also with braid.Our tap shoes were painted white and sprinkled with silver. At the end of the dance we crossed our legs towards each other and accidentally our feet hit. I remember silver flying everywhere.

There was a break when we went to Amiens ( for about 1 1/2 years I think) during the war (WW11)

With the primary exams a"national" dance was set; I learnt the Irish jig and became quite good I believe at doing the Highland Fling. We practised with chalk lines on the floor but just before the exam they brought in swords to make us feet perfect . You were not allowed to  look at your feet!

I danced in a number of eisteddfods. As a teenager I was very interested in the "musical comedy" type of dancing and must have been rather good as I was usually chosen for those .

In costume for "musical comedy" performances

That is all probably of not much interest to most of you...but Hey, these are my memories!"