The Popular Dancers’ Competition of 1928

Marjorie Hopman and Gerald Phillips. The Sun 1 August 1928 p.22

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222173255

The bright young things of the 1920s loved to dance. Endurance dancing was all the rage with records regularly being attempted and broken. But they also liked a good cause. In 1928, to raise funds for the United Charities Fund Day (or Rose Day), a Popular Dancers’ Competition was held over several months. Ninety-five charities would benefit from the proceeds. The contest was heavily promoted by both The Daily Telegraph Pictorial and The Sun, who featured photos of the dancers and advertised their fundraising activities, as well as keeping a tally of their votes. Representing Homebush were Marjorie Hopman, sister of tennis great, Harry Hopman and Gerald Phillips.

‘Rose Day’, originally ‘Alexandra Rose Day,’ was first celebrated in Britain in 1912 and was named in honour of Queen Alexandra, marking 50 years since she had arrived in Britain from Denmark. Artificial roses – or rose badges – were sold to raise money for hospitals and other charities, a tradition that continues in the UK today.

Olive Brooks and Reg Gaskin. The Sun 17 July 1928 p.22

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222167705

In Sydney in 1928, the Popular Dancers’ Competition was fierce and entrants went to great lengths to secure votes. Attractive prizes were on offer for the most popular dancing couple, with a Morris car and diamond ring for the winning lady and a radio or gramophone for the most popular man. The youngest entrants in the competition were Miss M. Darvall and Master G. Phillips – aged six and eight – of Ryde.

In a publicity stunt on 20 July, dancer (and boxer) Reg Gaskin danced from Strathfield Town Hall to Bondi. He was accompanied by a decorated truck with a band and pianola and a number of dancing partners, who also sold votes. When he reached the city he was stopped by a policeman, but continued on to Bondi, covering the 15 miles in two and a half hours.

Daily Telegraph 21 July 1928 p.18

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246789861

 

Daily Telegraph 16 July 2021 p.21

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246791292

In late August, Gaskin and James Seeland, the driver of the truck, appeared at the Central Police Court on charges of obstructing traffic. Both were fined with the magistrate admonishing ‘Let this serve as a warning to you people that you cannot dance through the street and obstruct the traffic.’

‘A jolly dance and card party’ was held in the Homebush Council Chambers on 15 August, hosted by the mayoress, Mrs Attwill and organised by the supporters of Miss Hopman and Mr Gerald Phillips. Marjorie Hopman wore a white georgette frock with silver baskets filled with colourful flowers embroidered on the sides of her skirt. Her parents and two sisters were also in attendance.

The Sun 16 August 1928 p.24

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222175423

Mrs McKenzie of Cremorne also held a dance for the Homebush couple at which many votes were secured.

On 6 September a state-wide dancing night was held and the district finalists were announced. Radio station 2FC broadcast an evening of dance music from 8.00pm to 1.00am so that dance parties could be organised without the expense of engaging an orchestra. The final count was revealed in The Sun of 12 October. Miss Peggy Dawes and Mr J.C. Bendrodt had received a total of 295,144 votes to win the competition. The Homebush couple had secured 7748 votes.

The Sun 12 October 1928 p.11

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224683050

A ball was held at the Palais Royal on 16 October, when the winners were presented with their prizes by the Premier, Mr Bavin.

Although popular dancing competitions were held in later years by various venues, they were never again held on this scale.

 

by J.J. MacRitchie

Local Studies Advisor

 

References

The Sun 27 July 1928 p.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222175178

Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser 28 August 1928 p.5 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/138189250

Sydney Morning Herald  31 August 1928 p.8 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16490735

The Sun 16 August 1928 p.15 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222175573

The Sun 18 September 1928 p.15 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224682654

The Sun 20 July 1928 p.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222162797

The Sun 12 October. p.11 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224683050

Daily Telegraph 17 October 1928 p.23 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246856269