Centenary celebrations around the world - part two
May 31, 2023
An Afternoon of Early Wellington Dances
To celebrate the RSCDS Centenary, a lively crowd of close to 60 dancers gathered in Wellington on 29 April for an afternoon of trying out dances from the past. Four long-time tutors from the RSCDS New Zealand Branch Wellington Region—Iain Boyd, Romaine Butterfield, Edith Campbell and Elaine Laidlaw—taught dances from the early days of Scottish Country Dancing in the lower North Island. The Cranberry Tarts—Aileen Logie and Hilary Ferral—provided music from the original tunes and arrangements used by well-known Wellington musician, the late Peter Elmes.
Dances included Mirth’s Welcome, Govandale Reel, Joy Be Wi’ You, Feshiebridge and Kelburn’s Reel from The Morison’s Bush Collection, To Ane An’ A’ from The Harbour City Collection, Under A Shady Tree from Silver Threads, and Percy Reserve from The Linden Collection.
This celebratory occasion was one to remember. Thanks so much to everyone involved in organising this superb afternoon of dancing, listening to Peter Elmes’ arrangements of tunes and socialising. See more about the tutors, the dances, and photos and videos at https://wellingtonscd.org.nz/early-wellington-dances-2023-review/
Photo Credit: Loralee Hyde
Waikato Bay of Plenty Branch
100 years of RSCDS was celebrated in New Zealand by the Waikato Bay of Plenty Branch with a formal dance.
The date, the 6th May 2023, gave us opportunity to acknowledge the Coronation in London. Another reason to dress up and dance.
The programme kicked off with 10 dances from the 10 decades, what fun to dance dances we haven’t danced for many many years. Those same dances were something new and different for those who have been dancing under 25 years.
After supper the programme consisted solely of New Zealand devised dances- a surprise to many that so many great dances are local. Every New Zealand dance came with a story, a chance to share a few not so secret secrets.
We danced with joy to the lively music of Glenfiddle.
Dancers came from across our region, some driving 3 hours each way!
It was a night to remember kilts swinging, sashes and long frocks looking elegant, the occasional tiara, and of course a delicious finger food supper.
RSCDS San Francisco Branch
What a fabulous evening we had at the RSCDS San Francisco Branch’s Centenary Grand Ball, held at the historic Lucie Stern Community Center, Palo Alto, California, USA, on Saturday April 1. Members gathered first for cocktails and socializing. Dancers were piped into the beautiful ballroom before dancing to wonderful live music by Andy Imbrie and friends. We were honored to be joined by four of San Francisco Branch’s RSCDS Scroll of Honour recipients.
Kudos to the organizers, staff and all the volunteers for making this memorable celebratory event happen!
Photos by Charlotte Greig