Dance dress

This evening dress was worn by Thelma Erskine who taught ballroom dancing at the Margaret O'Connor Studio at 58 Cuba Street, Wellington from 1929 to 1934. The dress, as with many of her other evening gowns, was made by a local dress maker.

In an era when dance was viewed 'not only a social asset, but a most enjoyable and healthy pastime', the Margaret O'Connor Studio was one of the biggest dance schools in the country. The studio offered classes from 10am to 10pm in both Wellington and Auckland.

Thelma Erskine was one of a number of tutors who assisted Margaret O'Connor and Mr W E (Ted) Priestly, the principals of the studio. Her skill on the dance floor is recorded in an Evening Post article published on 30 December 1931. The columnist describes an enjoyable Saturday night dance at the Petone which featured 'a graceful exhibition of dancing given by Miss Thelma Erskine and Mr Arthur Elliott (of the Margaret O'Connor Studio).'

In 1934 Thelma left the studio to wed William Evington who had been one of her pupils, a testimony to the social power of dance.