Dancing a reel at a Boulia picnic, Queensland, 1921. Photo: State Library of Queensland By Mary Whelan
THE great traditions of the bush dance will be revived in Cowes next month when the Bass Coast Acoustic Music Club teams up with Cathy Jones and Judy Lawrence to run a community dance with an eye to the past.
The bush dancing style means everyone can join in as fiddle player and dance caller Maggie Duncan gives instructions until everyone has got the hang of it. No need to bring a partner, just join a set and learn the dance steps as you go.
THE great traditions of the bush dance will be revived in Cowes next month when the Bass Coast Acoustic Music Club teams up with Cathy Jones and Judy Lawrence to run a community dance with an eye to the past.
The bush dancing style means everyone can join in as fiddle player and dance caller Maggie Duncan gives instructions until everyone has got the hang of it. No need to bring a partner, just join a set and learn the dance steps as you go.
Dances and balls were a feature of social and community life for many years on Phillip Island.
In early times music and dancing in the Ventnor and Rhyll halls were part of life, with people gathering to enjoy a great social event and often to raise funds for a local cause.
Anne Davie, a long-time local and organiser of many community events, recalls many bush dances being held on Churchill Island in the 1990s. The band for these dances was known by the wonderful name Ragwort, Thistles and other Noxious Weeds.
One consideration for patrons going over the old bridge to and from Churchill Island was the timing. You had to make sure you got back over the bridge before the tide rose and made it impassable for several hours.
The shared supper was always part of these events. Anne recalls many lamingtons being made for the night as they were always a favourite.
Bev Watson and Phillip Island Landcare are supporting next month’s bush dance and any surplus funds will be donated to the Landcare Group. Westernport Water is supplying refillable water bottles and many other community groups and business are lending their support to this family-friendly night of music and dancing. Spot prizes donated from our supporters will add to the fun over the night.
The bush dance includes an old-style supper at about 8.45pm so bring a plate to share. Tea and coffee supplied, BYO drinks. Dancing will continue after supper till about 11 pm.
Springtime bush dance, Cowes Cultural Centre, Saturday October 6, 7-11pm. No need to bring a partner – just a plate to share and your dancing shoes. Ticket details on flyer.
In early times music and dancing in the Ventnor and Rhyll halls were part of life, with people gathering to enjoy a great social event and often to raise funds for a local cause.
Anne Davie, a long-time local and organiser of many community events, recalls many bush dances being held on Churchill Island in the 1990s. The band for these dances was known by the wonderful name Ragwort, Thistles and other Noxious Weeds.
One consideration for patrons going over the old bridge to and from Churchill Island was the timing. You had to make sure you got back over the bridge before the tide rose and made it impassable for several hours.
The shared supper was always part of these events. Anne recalls many lamingtons being made for the night as they were always a favourite.
Bev Watson and Phillip Island Landcare are supporting next month’s bush dance and any surplus funds will be donated to the Landcare Group. Westernport Water is supplying refillable water bottles and many other community groups and business are lending their support to this family-friendly night of music and dancing. Spot prizes donated from our supporters will add to the fun over the night.
The bush dance includes an old-style supper at about 8.45pm so bring a plate to share. Tea and coffee supplied, BYO drinks. Dancing will continue after supper till about 11 pm.
Springtime bush dance, Cowes Cultural Centre, Saturday October 6, 7-11pm. No need to bring a partner – just a plate to share and your dancing shoes. Ticket details on flyer.