Kiama Ceilidh and Australian Winter School

Kiama Ceilidh and Australian Winter School 2016

Following the success of the RSCDS and Get Scotland Dancing initiative at the Commonwealth Ceilidh in 2014 Sydney Branch Winter School committee decided to hold a ‘Kiama Ceilidh’ the evening before the Australian Winter School. It was a night of Scottish music and dancing open to the local community and an opportunity to show them the enjoyment of Scottish country dancing and encourage them to join in. Through local newspaper articles, flyers and support from the local Visitors Centre the event was widely promoted in the lead-up to the start of Winter School. Around 60 people enjoyed an evening of dancing and friendship with a mix of locals and the dancers and musicians who arrived early for Winter School. The music was provided by Australian musicians Chris Duncan on fiddle and Catherine Strutt on piano and the ceilidh introduced participants to traditional favourites such as The Gay Gordons and The Dashing White Sergeant. Other dances such as The Dhoon and Rabbie’s Reel were called and danced enthusiastically, with The St Bernard’s Waltz thrown in to conserve stamina. Surprisingly, introducing Petronella and Flowers of Edinburgh highlighted that the older dances in Book 1 are still instantly popular and enjoyable. The ceilidh also gave the Winter School teachers and musicians an opportunity to relax, get over jet lag and enjoy themselves before the start of Australian Winter School. This event would not have been possible without generous support from the Jean Milligan Memorial Fund. The following day a collaboration of international and local teachers and musicians saw around 150 dancers from the four corners of the globe enjoy a week of dancing and social fun. Aptly, the theme for the Winter School was “Where the Nations come to Dance” which reflects the worldwide popularity of Scottish country dancing as well as the friendly welcome dancers receive around the world at events like Winter School. Striking a balance between dancing and social activities the week alternated evening socials with non-dancing events including an evening of “Kiama Kapers” filled with trivia, games and prizes testing not only SCD but worldwide knowledge, as well as the resoundingly enjoyable “Musical Travels” concert featuring the splendid musicians showing how Scottish music has travelled the world. The performances were interspersed with amusing anecdotes from the musicians of the background and their experiences with some of the tunes. The concert was also open to the general public to give the locals an opportunity to come along to meet dancers and enjoy the music; as always taking any opportunity to promote Scottish country dancing and Scottish music to a new audience, as well as potential new dancers/musicians. If not exploring the quaint seaside offerings of Kiama after morning classes, participants enjoyed a varied afternoon program of classes through the week including Visiting Teacher (class of local dances from their area), Stretch and Relax (to keep those muscles and feet in good working order), Technique & Critique (for dancers wanting personal attention), Tonight’s Tricky Dances (class on that night’s tricky dances to give newer dancers more confidence) and Scottish Afternoon Delights (showcasing a range of craft and cooking skills possessed by Scottish country dancers). The formula ensured that at the Ball people had enough stamina and energy to complete the full programme at the picturesque seaside Kiama Pavilion where the champagne on arrival was matched with the pre-Ball entertainment of football match at the oval next door. All the musicians combined to provide a rousing night of lively and stirring music which lifted the spirits of the dancers. As with any event it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of a small army of volunteers and the convener, Ms Ruth Pike, would like to thank them all for their efforts and contribution for a successful Australian Winter School. Michael Darby, Sydney Branch

Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt introduced visitors to traditional music for dancing (photo: Michael Darby and Jill Pope)

Proving age is no barrier’ (Photo Michael Darby and Jill Pope)