Formal Colonial Theme Bush Dance

or

Poor Persons' Ball

    There are some wonderful balls on the folkdance calendar – Sydney, Canberra, Maitland, Wollongong and sometimes, even the Central Coast. If you are a relative newcomer to the scene, committing to your first ball can be a reasonably scary proposition. However, if newer dancers don’t discover the joys of balls soon, as the older ones age and drop off the twig, Colonial Balls will become unviable and another great Aussie tradition will bite the dust. So we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy a ball experience - without the expensive costumes and tickets - but with all the elegance and tradition. So, our November 8 bush dance will be a Formal Colonial Themed Night or “Poor Person’s Ball”.

    We will do the whole ball thing – Grand March, Quadrilles, Dance Cards (if you choose to use them) and practices. Music will be provided by “Currawong” with one of Australia’s most popular Ball MC’s - Don Richmond, Calling. Almost all the dances will be familiar to our regular bush dancers and will include the Dancers’ Dances practiced this year. While there can be four quadrilles on a “real” ball programme, we will have only two simple ones, so unless you are familiar with them (or even if you are) it is suggested you attend a practice. Quadrilles are so much lovelier and more enjoyable if danced correctly. While all dances will be called on the night, the less time spent on walk-throughs means more room on the programme for dances. Besides, all the regular ball goers will tell you, the practices are almost as much fun as the ball itself.

    Yes, we would like you dress up. If you have Colonial Formal gear, then please wear it. If you haven’t, a trip to St Vinnie’s could be the way to go. Many a ball gown has been a wedding or bridesmaid’s dress in another life. Failing that, just something pretty. It is a ball – poor persons’ or otherwise – after all. Same for the blokes. St. Vinnie’s is very likely to yield a pair of light coloured jeans (poor persons’ moleskins) and a waistcoat - even a kilt. If you are lucky you can sometimes pick up a set of tails. Otherwise, just a neat pair of pants and a nice shirt - but please, leave the stubbies and runners in the wardrobe - just for November. In addition to wearing your poor person’s finery, we would like you to practice your bows and curtseys and brush up on your 19th century etiquette, such as gentlemen returning their partners to their seats (with a little bow). It’s all part of the ball experience, which sets it apart from our usual bush dances.

    The programmed ball dances will be danced from time to time until November. No regular attendee should feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the program and while formal Colonial Costume is desirable, it is by no means compulsory.

    So take your courage in both hands, mark the evening and the practices in your diary and commit to being a part of something quite special.