Sydney Branch on stage

On 23rd June 2024, 8 dancers, a choreographer and a manager entered the Sydney Eisteddfod in event number 489. This was the world folk dance category, community groups (any age) and the venue was ‘The Concourse’ in Chatswood, north of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

Our group of dancers met regularly to practice and refine their footwork for this event.  There was much excitement as this was a competition and it added a certain aspect of pressure to the preparations.

The medley of a jig, reel and a strathspey had the audience clapping along and enjoying the Scottish music. Much applause rang out in the theatre as this was quite unique for most of the audience.

The adjudicators report noted the following areas of strength:  A lovely group who were very well rehearsed. Nice change in dynamics and nice footwork. (We were particularly pleased with this comment.) Lovely interactions between couples and lovely music.

Areas of improvement:  Try to project to the audience to make a further connection and to stay in the centre when setting up the formation.

After going to dinner together, it was noted that our experience has us come together as a team with the five Cs. – communication, camaraderie, commitment, confidence, coachability. Friendship was the added bonus.

Congratulations go to Debbie Baker, Anna Underhill, Olivia Longson, Robyn King, Cameron Ritchard, Don Richmond, Catriona McLennan and Adrienne Unger who together, under the expert instruction of Diana Hastie, gained a ‘Highly Commended’.

Tracy Mackenzie, Demonstration Co-ordinator