Ardbrae SCD of Ottawa

On February 17, 2024, the Ardbrae SCD of Ottawa (Canada) held a Diamond Jubilee Ball to celebrate 60 years of dancing together. They were joined by friends from the Ottawa RSCDS Branch, the wider Ottawa area, Kingston (Ontario), Montreal and Boston, Mass.

Sparkling silver-themed decorations in an elegant hall were the surroundings for a dinner beforehand and dessert following the dancing. Spirited music by the Atlantic Firth Scottish Country Dance Band kept enthusiasm at a high pitch throughout the evening.

The programme had something for everyone, including the newest dancers: older dances (The White Cockade, Rakes of Glasgow); newer dances (Beach Dancer, The Pawling Porch); easier dances (Flowers of Edinburgh); and more challenging dances (The Waternish Tangle, J.B. Milne).

A special tribute was made to long time, valued member and teacher Elaine Hoag who passed away in 2022. Elaine had devised a dance, Ardbrae Angels, in honour of two dedicated Ardbrae members (Guy Quesnel and Deborah Connors). The first appearance of this dance on a programme was for a Social in late March 2020, so its debut was postponed for almost 4 years. It was a memorable evening of exhilarating music and joyful dancing.