Lower North Island RSCDS Centenary Ball

To celebrate the Centenary of the RSCDS, over 130 people keen to dance and socialise filled the floor at the Lower North Island RSCDS Centenary Ball in Palmerston North on 4th November. The RSCDS Hawke’s Bay, Rangitikei and Wellington Regions combined to host this special Tri-Region Ball to celebrate the role of the extended region from Hawke’s Bay to Whanganui through to Wellington as the well-spring of Scottish Country Dancing in New Zealand.

The programme included a dance from almost all New Zealand devisers who have had dances published by the RSCDS. Other dances of historical significance included homages to Miss Jean Milligan and Mrs Ysobel Stewart.

Twenty-six past and present tutors from the Lower North Island attended the Ball. Seventeen long-standing tutors were honoured by each briefing a dance at the occasion. RSCDS New Zealand Branch President Linda Glavin briefed Petronella. President Elect Debbie Roxburgh took on the task of overall MC’ing of the evening, including introducing each tutor. It was a treat to dance to fabulous music from the Balmoral Dance Band during the evening.

As well as a celebration of the rich history of Scottish country dancing in New Zealand, this special occasion was a showcase of all the things we enjoy about this wonderful activity. Thank you to all who worked together to organise this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

See more about the dances, the devisers with photos and videos 

Photo credit - Loralee Hyde