An 1867 Dance

The Hamilton (Ontario) Branch celebrated Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation with an “1867 Dance”.  The programme was devised to include music and dances written before 1867, likely to have been in favour then, and still danced today.

We began with Circassian Circle, and danced the Waltz Country Dance as well as Reels, Jigs, and Strathspeys.  We finished with The Haymakers, as did dances from the 1860s. There were demonstrations of Quadrilles and the Hebridean Weaving Lilt during short breaks in the programme. 

Tea included sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Many of the dancers wore period costumes, representing both the land-owners and working class of “1867 Canada”. Even Queen Victoria and Sir John A. MacDonald were in attendance. 

All who came had a “Reelin’ good time”!

- Diana McKenzie, Secretary of Hamilton (Ontario) Branch