Bush Dance Group

From Monaro Folk Society

Bush dancing is Australian traditional social dancing. It's fun and friendly and new people are always welcome. All dances are taught and there is no need to bring a partner. And all workshops and dances are to the live music by the musicians of the society, as the Bush Capital Band.

We have Bush Dance Classes on most Monday evenings,(not public holidays or during school holidays) and have a Saturday night dance in most months, on the first Saturday of the month at All Saints church Hall 9 Cowper St Ainslie. Map - check the MFS Calendar

For information about a series of friendly, welcoming dance classes to live music, including a flyer, please see Bush Dance Classes.

What dances do we do?

There is lots of variety in the dances. We do longways sets (such as Strip the Willow and Virginia Reel), quadrilles (such as Cumberland Square 8 and The Lancers), couples dances (such as Pride of Erin and Brown Jug Polka), around the room dances (such as The Dashing White Sergeant and Margaret's Waltz), and many others.

What should I wear?

This is one question that is answered at this dance FAQ (yes, it's a contra dance FAQ, but the info is equally applicable to bush dancing). I'll just add that you should wear flat, comfortable shoes and please, no hand cream, perfume or after shave.

The music

We dance to live music, the Bush Capital Band led by Bob Hodgson. This is an open stage so anyone is welcome to join in. Because of this the line up is wonderfully varied and includes violins, accordions, guitars, flutes, harmonicas and penny whistles. If you would like to be part of the band, contact Bob at (02) 6255 2189.

The callers

The caller coordinator is Peter Foster, who has been calling for Woolies Home Band (and others) for over 15 years. It is an open floor by prior arrangement, so anyone who wishes to call a dance is welcome to do so. If you would like to give it a go, contact pfoster@pcug.org.au. Please be aware that for the first two classes/workshops of the CIT student's terms there is a set program which does not provide for guest callers. The CIT terms correspond with ACT public school terms.

For some useful info about calling, check out Colin Hume's Callers Workshop.

Hope to see you sometime!