MIDWINTER WHAT??
Who can possibly have an excuse for the midwinter “blahs” with so much going on?? The St. Andrews Nicht Ceilidh at Bally Haly was a delightful affair, and well attended. The City of St. John’s Pipe Band started off the evening in fine style, and things just got better from there. Everybody was up dancing, even those who had never even tried it before -- and they had a good time, judging by the comments and happy faces. Many thanks to the St. Andrews Society for organising this party. The Burns Supper on January 25 was also a huge success. Jack Whyte’s Immortal Memory was indeed memorable, and the other speeches came very close to matching his. Bruce Shawyer’s Ode to the Haggis was done in true Scots fashion, with verve and passion. I have begun to read Jack’s books, now, inspired by his performance.
Sue Scott, Newsletter Editor
GLENBROOK LODGE
It was a small, but enthusiastic turnout at Glenbrook Lodge on Feb. 4, for a belated Burns Night celebration for the seniors. Bruce Shawyer on piano, and a piper from the St. John’s Pipe Band, along with some easy dances for all, helped to make an enjoyable evening for the residents.
SURFING THE NET
Want to find out about items of Scottish clothing, gifts or tartans? Wonder what a tartan you’ve heard of actually looks like? Several websites offer lots of information on these and other Scottish subjects. Some are Canadian in origin, the others are from “across the pond”.
Try the following:
Scottish Factory Online (Nova Scotia)While you’re at it, check out our own branch website, and related websites. There’s lots to find out at these sites:
BranchOur webmaster for the branch site is Margaret Connors, who is at the School of Pharmacy at MUN. She also puts together, prints and duplicates these newsletters. Thanks, Margaret!!
LETTER FROM KENYA
The Guardian Weekly a few months ago included a letter from Kenya on, among other subjects, Scottish Country Dancing in that country:
“I suspect that the best repository of colonialism is the Scottish Dancing Society where you could happily wind your clock back 50 years and not notice the difference. Once a year there is a formal ceilidh in which members step out two by two dressed in the best Scottish tradition.
The men bravely sport their sporrans and kilts while the women make sure that there is some tartan in their dress to show their true colours. Dances like the Gay Gordon (sic) and the Dashing White Sergeant carry on -- relics from an age of innocence that you would have to look hard to find in the “in-yer-face” Britain of today.
Janet might be 83, but you would not know it from the lightness of her step. There is a preponderance of women -- out here they outlive the men by many years, and get used to partnering each other. Jean can never remember the steps, but they are demonstrated clearly at the beginning each time, so she needn’t worry. The African staff look on in bewilderment as these normally inhibited people shout and whoop, calling out the steps as they go.“
BITS AND PIECES
We were sorry to learn of the recent passing away of Robert MacIsaac’s father. Our sympathies go to Robert and his family.
Susan Pfister visited Morag Parsons in New Zealand just before Christmas. Susan was there to give a paper at a conference, and Morag gave her a wonderful tour around the South Island -- and of course they swam in the warm ocean at lovely sandy beaches. Pretty nice winter break! Morag is about to start a teaching job there, right after the (summer) holidays.
We were also sad to hear of the recent death of Joan Basic’s father. Condolences to Joan and her family.
Karen Oakley’s mother passed away recently here in St.John’s. We know Karen has been spending a lot of time with her over the past couple of years. We’re sorry for your loss, Karen.
SCOTCH ON THE ROCK
This is the catchy title for our summer workshop, August 8-10 this summer. Nora Link of Montreal is coming to be our guest teacher. There will be a special beginner class for our first year dancers on the Friday night, followed by a get-acquainted party at the Scotts’ house. Saturday there will be classes morning and afternoon, and a dance that evening, with Corryvreckan playing for us. Sunday morning will see a (gentle) English country dance session, followed by brunch at Brenda Burness’ in St.Phillip’s. We hope to have dancers come “from away”, as well as a large group of those from here. At our last summer workshop in 2001, we had dancers from other parts of Canada, and as far away as Japan!
NOTES ABOUT CLASS NIGHTS
Once again, please remember to wear your name tag! It really helps both beginners and experienced dancer to get to know each others’ names. Someone commented to me one evening that she’d been dancing for two years, and still didn’t know a lot of the names.
There should be plenty of parking spaces on the streets around the church, even in snowy times. If you really want a parking lot for your car, we are allowed to use the Kirk lot just above Queens road, across from the main doors of Gower Church. Enter from the Kirk driveway. You can probably also use the Anglican Cathedral lot, which is little used on most evenings.
The AGM will be held on Monday, May 5 starting at 7:30. It will be followed by a regular evening of dancing, so please plan to arrive half an hour early on that night.
The last regular Monday evening of dancing will be Monday, May 12, one week after the AGM.
UPCOMING SCD EVENTS
March 1, 2003 Monthly Social, Bon Accord Group, 7:30 p.m., St. Matthias Church Hall, Halifax.
April 5, 2003 Spring Social, Bon Accord Group, 7:30 p.m., St. Matthias Church Hall, Halifax.
April 11 - 13, 2003 The Pearl Holmberg Workshop for Teachers and Musicians, Vancouver, BC, presented by the Vancouver Branch, RSCDS
May 17, 2003 Bon Accord Spring Fling, 7:30 p.m., St.Matthias Church Hall, Halifax.
July 13 - August 10, 2003 RSCDS Summer School, St. Andrews, Scotland. Classes from introductory level to fully qualified teachers, are held a week at a time, from Monday to Saturday mornings. “All classes are accompanied by a musician and a suitably experienced and qualified teacher of Scottish country dancing.” Six scholarships, which cover residential and attendance fees, are available each year. Application forms are due March 1. Sue Scott has information and applications.
July 28 - Aug 1, 2004 International Scottish Country Dance School, Halifax, NS. (Information: Lydia Hedge or tel 902-827-2033).