A copy of the MFS Dance Calendar (as distributed at dance events) is available for download in either Standard format, which uses one A4 sheet (or can be printed back & front to make two A5 calendars) or Large size, which uses two A4 sheets. It will be updated quarterly, and will cover the following six months. For up-to-date information between quarterly updates, check the full MFS Calendar.
The printable calendars and other downloadable MFS publications, including publicity flyers for events and classes, are available through the Catalogue page.

Left: Dancing the Numeralla Jig at St John's (photo courtesy of Jenny Wardrobe)

All MFS dances are open to the general public, and non-members are encouraged to come and enjoy what we have to offer. You don't have to come with a partner. Sometimes there are a few more men than women, sometimes it's the opposite. But this is not "Strictly Ballroom" - if you come along, you will find a partner. Even people who come as couples don't dance exclusively with each other, they dance with others to spread the joy. And there are many "progressive" dances where you get to meet lots of people.

The MFS doesn't "do" only bush dances. Our programme also includes American contra dancing, Irish (square) set dancing, colonial quadrilles, and classes in all types. MFS is also in touch with groups running dances of other genres - Welsh, Cornish, Scottish, Scandinavian, middle Europe, English heritage - and at times joins forces with them.

MFS dances are friendly to beginners, the caller will "talk through" (or where needed, "walk through") each dance before getting into it with the music, and experienced dancers will help new people. No experience is needed to enjoy yourself - even at the Colonial Balls the dance programme is designed so you can just dress up, get along there, and have a thoroughly good time. One of the reasons for the Monaro Folk Society is to encourage everyone to enjoy traditional social dance.

For best enjoyment, you should wear comfortable clothing. For the general range of dances and the dance classes you don't need to dress up, just relax and be comfortable:- jeans, slacks or capri pants, and blouses, T-shirts or polos are fine. But ladies, if you wear a skirt, let it be one that gives you freedom to move - long straight skirts are not recommended.

Feel free to just be relaxed and casual; but if you want to stand out, why shouldn't you? A couple of thoughts on how:
- ladies, wear a swirly skirt and make it swing;
- gents, take the chance to wear a cravat or a waistcoat or a smart hat - but whatever you do, be sure to help your lady make her skirt swing!

Of course, there are the obvious galas - the annual formal ball is a prime example - it offers great dancing, but possibly its main attraction is that it gives an opportunity to explore and act out the wardrobe in your mind.

Right: Barn Dance (?) in the Woolshed - NYE 2006 (photo courtesy of Bill Quinn)

At all times, sensible footwear is good. Grippy soles such as sneakers, or really slippy leather soles, might not be good choices. Both can make it harder to move well, and can be stressful on the ankles and hips, although neither is absolutely unacceptable - it's your choice. But you'll probably feel most comfortable wearing something in between - everyone has their own preference. (But bare feet or thongs are unsafe and are discouraged.)

For most MFS dances the entry charge is: $10 for MFS members & Concessions. Young Dancers - that is anyone aged 18 or less, are admitted free. (Note that MFS policy is that children aged less than 16 are not admitted to a MFS event unless in the company of a parent or other responsible adult.) The entry charge is $14 for all others. Groups of 10 or more non-members may be admitted at the Concession rate by prior arrangement - contact the Dance Subcommittee Convenor.

At most dances, and at last-of-series dance classes, the Australian tradition of "bring a plate" is carried on, although the complementary tradition of "men bring a bottle" is no longer encouraged. Some traditions change to reflect the values of the times.

~~Top of page~~

Special MFS Dance Events (A map showing the location of the various venues is here)

BDDG Yuletide Ball:
The Albert Hall has been resumed as a regular venue for MFS dances, and will be used for the The Bush Dancers Display Group Yuletide Ball on 6 December 2008.

Special annual dances:
- Colonial Ball:
  Every Spring there is a formal ball, giving the opportunity to dress up in colonial or heritage costume. The first MFS Colonial Ball was held in 1981, and one has been held every year ever since. A special Ball subsite gives an overview of past balls.
- New Year's Eve:
  Every 31 December the Society holds a dance to bring in the New Year. It is part of the normal programme, at normal prices, and bookings are not required. Just watch the Calendar for details.

~~Top of page~~

Regular MFS Dance Events (A map showing the location of the various venues is here)

There is an MFS Bush Dance on two Saturdays each month except January, usually from 8pm till midnight on the last Saturday each month. (This twice-monthly programme will be reviewed in May 2008.) In both series the music is live, dances are called, everyone is welcome, and neither experience nor a partner is necessary. Guests are asked to bring a plate for a shared supper. Entry prices for both series are as detailed above, including special rates for young people.
- The end-of-month dance is held at St John's Church Hall, Constitution Ave, Reid, [Mapref N12], but always check the Calendar before setting out. Music is by live bands from Canberra (including our own MFS Musicians) and also from interstate. (An exception is the annual fundraising dance organised by Monaro Colonial Dancers. Because this is a multi-genre event it is difficult to find a single band that can cover the range of music required, so recorded music is used.)
  There are also sometimes exceptions to the last Saturday rule: for example, the end-of-December 2008 dance will be held (as always) on New Year's Eve which this year falls on Wednesday 31 December; and it is planned that the venue will as usual be Yarralumla Woolshed, Cotter Rd Yarralumla.
- The start-of-month dance is held at All Saints Church Hall, Cowper St, Ainslie, [Mapref H12]. Music is by MFS Musicians. Enquiries to the Bush Dance Cooperative Group (see Contacts page).

An American Contra Dance Party is held on a Saturday evening in even-numbered months, at St Margaret's Uniting Church Hall, cnr Antill St & Phillip Ave, Hackett (enter from slip road in Antill St north of roundabout). Music by the fabulous Contratemps, $10 for MFS members, $14 for others. See also Dance Classes.
Come along and dance your way to nirvana.
Contacts: Colin ctownspcug.org.au or 6232-9231 or 0417-020-615 and Rob Robert.mahonyanu.edu.au and Jeanette jeanette_millyahoo.com.au
(You think Contra is not part of Oz folk culture? Remember that a lot of miners in the 1851 rush came disappointed but expectatious from the California rush of 1848. Documentation might be a bit hard to find, but it's a fair assumption that they brought their dances with them - and since most of California was then populated by adventurous Easterners, Contra was probably carried through.)

An Irish céilí with square-set dances is held on the second Saturday of months, alternating with the Contra Dance Party, from 7:30-10:30 pm at the Canberra Senior Citizens' Centre, Turner (you don't have to be a Senior) [Mapref K9].
The next two are on Saturday 12 July and Saturday 13 September. Recorded music is used.
The "bring a plate" tradition will be upheld, but on a roster basis: surnames A-K in July, L-Z in September.
Entry: MFS members & concessions $8; others $10. Refreshmnts are povided.

Monaro Colonial Dancers practice night is on Wednesdays from 6:30pm, Guide Hall, Clianthus Street, O’Connor. Enquiries: Sandra Smith 6242-7550 (H) or 0419-013-886.

Dancing in the Park is a wonderful way to end the day during summer. See photos here. Live music and an experienced dance-caller support an enjoyable programme of bush and heritage dances. Walk-up musicians welcome, sheet music provided.
Venue: Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park. No charge.
When? Mondays in December and January, except public holidays, starting at 6:45pm and finishing at sundown. Kids enjoy it too, so there's one answer to "what is there to do in the school holidays?"
It's nearly here again - stand by for summer!! And a very special one it wil be too - read on, in the box.....

DITP has been held at Stage 88 every summer since 1988/89. It commenced in the summer of 1987/88 near the Carillon on Aspen Island, and relocated to Stage 88 the following summer, in December 1988, shortly after the Stage was built with Commonwealth Bicentennial funding as "a gift from the Commonwealth to the people of Canberra". DITP makes good use of that gift - there have been free public dances on Stage 88 every summer since it was built.

The 2008/09 season will be DITP's 21^st consecutive year at Stage 88.

Click the image to read articles in the November 1988 issue of the MFMS Newsletter (the precursor to Monaro Musings.)

~~Top of page~~

MFS Dance Classes are offered in several series throughout the year (A map showing the location of the various venues is here)

Bush Dance Classes are run by the Bush Dance Cooperative Group at All Saints Church Hall on Cowper St in Ainslie [Mapref H12].
These classes will resume in February 2008, and will be run at 8pm every Monday throughout the year (except public holidays).
Admission for MFS members is $5, for others $6.
Musicians please contact Bob on 6255 2189, callers please contact Peter on 6231 2245.

The MFS Irish Set-Dance classes are held over several terms throughout the year, from 8pm till 10pm Wednesday evenings, at the Canberra Senior Citizens' Centre, 12 Watson St (cnr McKay Gardens), Turner.
(Although the classes are held at the SC Centre, they are definitely for dancers of all ages.)
Each term is for 10 nights, but new dancers may join during term without disadvantage.
In 2008 there are four 10-week terms, of which remain:
- ... – 2 July
- 23 July – 24 September
- 15 October – 17 December

Entry $5 per class for MFS members, $6 for others, or pre-pay for a full term to get a discount - $40 members, $50 non-members.
Convenor: Paul Wayper - paulwaymabula.net or 0422-392-081 or get full details here.

Canberra Contra Club happens at St Margaret's Uniting Church Hall, cnr Antill St & Phillip Ave, Hackett (enter from slip road in Antill St about 50m north of roundabout), providing workshops with an open stage for budding musicians and callers, 7:30-9:30 pm on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday each month except January.
Format: Dance workshops with live music and a variety of callers. All dances are taught and called. No experience necessary.
$5 for MFS members, $6 for others. Your first night is free.
American contra dance is a jazzed up New England equivalent of Australian bush dancing. No tricky stepping, ideal for everyone with energy and inspiration.
Convenors: Colin ctownspcug.org.au or 6232-9231 or 0417-020-615 and Rob Robert.mahonyanu.edu.au
(photo by Julia)

~~Top of page~~

MFS Dance Display Groups
The Society's activities include two outreach display groups, The Monaro Colonial Dancers and The Bush Dancers.


The Bush Dancers	The Monaro Colonial Dancers at Major's Creek (photo Lawrie Brown)

The Monaro Colonial Dancers was formed in 1991 and has a repertoire of Australian colonial, old time and bush dancing. It is committed to presenting our rich heritage of music and dance to the public, and welcomes other interested dancers. The group performs at festivals, fetes, open days and other special occasions. There is a practice every Wednesday evening - see Regular Events. For other details go to http://www.canb.auug.org.au/~lpb/MCD/ or contact Sandra Smith at jeff.smibigpond.net.au or on (02) 6242-7550 (AH) or 0419-013-886, or Sandra Martens on (02) 4849-4575.

The Bush Dancers aims to promote bush dancing and Australian traditional music, using colour and movement supported by live music to attract the interest of audiences that are not familiar with bush dancing, and to encourage audiences to join in either at the event or at future bush dances. For information about joining the group or booking it for your social or cultural function, go to http://www.pcug.org.au/~lcourt/tbdmenu.htm or call Barbara or Lance Court on (02) 6161-2426.

~~Top of page~~

OTHER DANCE EVENTS
(These are not conducted by MFS. The details are based on information provided by their organisers.)

The Monaro Folk Society cannot by itself cater for enthusiasts of every folk dance genre. So it has established friendships with sympathetic organisations and individuals. Here are some:

Canberra Dance News
For free e'mail news about bush dancing and related dance activities please e'mail LCourtpcug.org.au or see http://www.pcug.org.au/~lcourt/lists.htm

Folk Dance Canberra (International genres)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland St, Hackett. Contact Lesley lesleymagma.com.au or 6286-6401 or Kerry 6248-9990.

Greek Dance
1^st Friday each month, Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland St, Hackett. Contact Maria 6289-8272 (W) or 6231-4472 (H).

Historic Dance from 1400s to 1900s
Earthly Delights Historic Dance Academy organise historical themed balls on the 3rd Saturday of each month at St John's Church Hall, Constitution Ave, Reid; Sunday Afternoon Dances every Sunday at the YMCA Sailing Club in Yarralumla; Intermediate/Advanced Dance Classes at St John's Church Hall in Reid every Tuesday Night and Beginners Dance Classes at the ANU on Mondays during term. Newcomers are always welcome and you don't need to bring a partner. Refreshments are provided and there are always opportunities for guest dance groups, choirs, fencers and more to perform in the breaks. Phone (02) 62811098, organise historical costume balls on the 3^rd Saturday of each month at St John's Church Hall, Constitution Ave, Reid. Newcomers are always welcome and you don't need to bring a partner. Refreshments are provided and there are always opportunities for guest dance groups, choirs, fencers and more to perform in the breaks. Phone (02) 6281-1098, or visit http://www.earthlydelights.com.au/upcoming2.htm

International Folk Dance (CIFDA)
Wednesdays, Uniting Church Hall, Denman St, Yarralumla. Contact Carol 6251-3096 or Ailsa alawtonozemail.com.au or 6281-5101.

Renaissance Dance (CREMS)
Fridays, Guides Hall, Clianthus St, O'Connor. Contact Estelle 4845-0228 or Libby 6296-4769 (H) 6215-3688 (W)

sCanDans (Nordic Dancing in Canberra)
Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm, Uniting Church Hall, Denman St, Yarralumla. Includes easy to hard dances each week. All called and taught. Contact Roger Roger.Giffordcsiro.au or 6242-4160 (H).

Scottish Country Dance
Scottish Country Dance classes for beginner, intermediate, experienced and social dancers are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays at various locations. They are organised by four clubs, who also hold about ten social occasions during the year, mostly on Saturdays. For full details, see http://www.rscds-canberra.org

Tallaganda Dance Troupe
Mondays, ex-Servicemen's Club, Coronation Ave, Braidwood; 9:30 am Folk Dancing - 11:30 am Beginner Belly Dance - 6:00 pm Tango. Contact erikambraidwood.net.au or 4842-2505 or www.braidwood.net.au/talla/

Welsh and Cornish Dancing
Usually the second Friday of the month (but check with the contact to be sure), from 7pm-9pm at Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland St, Hackett. Contact Winifred 6230-4937 or winjohnwebone.com.au or Jean 6251-2478.

~~Top of page~~

Created 14 September 2005 : Last updated 14 April 2011.