white cockade may 2016 - web · the white cockade — may – august 2016 7 west end community...

Newsletter of the Vancouver Branch Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

May – August, 2016

Burnaby Annual Dance, March 5

photos: Kerry McDevitt

2 Vancouver Area Events

3 Frae the Chair

4 Dancing Dates

8 News & Notices

13 On the Dance Floor

In this issue:

2 The White Cockade — May – August 2016

RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board of Directors 2015-16

Officers

Chair Gerry Stensgaard [email protected] 604.451.1161 Vice-Chair Peter Richards [email protected] 604.929.2745 Corresponding Secretary Gill Beattie [email protected] 604.224.6751 Recording Secretary Sally Marshall [email protected] 604.941.9758 Treasurer Laurie Johnston [email protected] 604.222.2519 Membership Secretary Patsy Jamieson [email protected] 604.929.4884

Other Directors showing specific responsibilities

BC Highland Games Rep Simon Scott [email protected] 604.925.9333 Children's Program Liaison Francis O’Farrell [email protected] 604.321.0533 Events Coordinator Heather Hankin [email protected] 604.730.9581 Publicity Cathrine Conings [email protected] 604.299.6447 Safety Coordinator Sue Sochasky [email protected] 604.476.1946

Board Appointments

Betwixt & Between Coord. Katherine Shearman [email protected] 604.671.2480 Burns Supper Coordinator Gill Beattie [email protected] 604.224.6751 Dancing Coordinator Frances Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842 Dancing in the Park Alison Moen [email protected] 604.980.0428 Dem Team Director R. Blackhall-Peters [email protected] 604.530.0500 Heather Ball Chair Denise Cunningham [email protected] 604.261.0162 Love to Dance Workshop Frances Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842 Newsletter Editor Karen Sommer [email protected] RSCDS Director USAC Ltd Stewart Cunningham [email protected] 604.261.0162 Web Site Manager Mary Ann McDevitt [email protected] 604.929.2944 Archivist Janet Mason [email protected] 604.942.1404 Nominating Cmt. Chair Sandy Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842

Other Contacts

Ceilidh Director Duncan MacKenzie [email protected] 604.536.9481 TAC Representative Jean Wagstaff [email protected] 604.464.8103 North Shore Children Louise Steinway [email protected] 604.464.5818

For up-to-date listings, visit www.rscdsvancouver.org/calendar-events/

Vancouver Area EventsVancouver Area EventsVancouver Area EventsVancouver Area Events

May 1 Annual May Dance – White Rock Sep 30 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance

May 14 Bellingham Social Oct 21 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance

May 28-29 Eurofest Oct 22 Gleneagles Fall Dance

May 29 Whisky Tea Dance – Fort Langley Nov 11 Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance

June 18 BC Highland Games Nov 25 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance

June 20 Dancing in the Park begins Dec 3 North Shore Children’s Christmas Party

Aug 10 White Cockade submission deadline Dec 11 Gleneagles Ball

Aug 15 Dancing in the Park — last night Dec 28 B’twixt and B’tween

Sept 3 West End Fall Frolic Mar 4, 2017 Burnaby Spring Dance

Sept 16 Branch AGM Apr 8, 2017

North Shore Children’s Easter Party

The White Cockade — May – August 2016 3

Frae the Cha irFrae the Cha irFrae the Cha irFrae the Cha ir

As usual, March and April were a wonderful blur of Scottish country dance activities around the lower mainland. The Burnaby Club’s annual dance kicked things off on Mar. 5th. Attendance was good, and the energizing music of the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra was enjoyed by all. The Celtic Fest Parade followed on Mar. 13, with “usable” weather, and the best turnout of dancers in years — 25 all told. Our stalwart group stood out enough amongst all the Irish groups that they even got a few seconds on a local TV newscast! The more dancers the better for this event - if you haven’t tried it, put it on your list for next year. Then came the grand Heather Ball on Mar. 19. Under the capable direction of Denise Cunningham and her committee, the Ball came off without a hitch. The evening began with a light supper, followed by the Grand March piped by Sandy Marshall. The Nicol McLaren Trio with fiddler Judi Nicolson, put “life and mettle in the heels” of 150 dancers from near and far, as they enjoyed an excellent program assembled by Rebecca Blackhall-Peters. Congratulations to Denise and her crew for a job well done. Next up was Glenayre’s dance, with an interesting program and groaning tables of delicious food at half time. Everyone seemed to have a good time, but attendance could have been better. The North Shore Children’s Easter Party was fun for the children, parents and a number of dancers who attended. The Easter Bunny also made an appearance, to the delight of the youngsters. As I write, the Deep Cove dance is coming up, plus a number of other events listed in this edition.

It has come to my attention that some of our newer dancers are expressing reluctance, or even refusing, to attend SCD events. This is largely because they feel ashamed and hurt when a small minority of experienced dancers frown at them or make disparaging remarks when things go wrong on the dance floor. Having once experienced this sort of thing, new dancers often choose to avoid social dances. As we struggle to keep our numbers up in the face of membership attrition, actions which discourage up-and- coming dancers are very counter productive. Our dancing community needs to support, encourage and help our dancers-in-training. Keep in mind: if a dance has problems, it isn’t the end of the world — we all have our moments!

The BC Highland Games will take place on Saturday, June 18. Once again, Mary Murray has agreed to lead the massed dancing demonstration. This is an important promotional activity for Scottish country dancing, so it is very desirable to have a good number of dancers involved. The program won’t be difficult, so come out and do your part. Note that participants receive the bonus of discounted admission to the games. See details elsewhere in this White Cockade. Happy Spring! Gerry Stensgaard


DANC ING DATESDANC ING DATESDANC ING DATESDANC ING DATES

Wednesdays in May Program Class

Scottish Cultural Centre 7:30 to 9:30 pm $6:50 Drop-in Don’t stop dancing, come and join us! We will be dancing every Wednesday evening in May! This is a fun evening of dancing — learning dances for up and coming socials, as well as enjoying some favourites by request!

Saturday May 1 White Rock Spring Dance

Star of the Sea Hall Doors open: 3:30 pm 15262 Pacific Ave. Dancing: 4:00 pm Refreshments to follow White Rock, BC Tickets: $20.00

Programme:

Stepping it Out ..............................J ........................R. Goldring Social 2 Crom Allt ........................................R ..................... RSCDS Graded Bk. 3 A Welcome to Ayr ............................J ............................................. Bk. 47 Fly Fishers’ Strathspey ...................S .......................................... R. Read The Lass of Richmond Hill ..............R ..................... RSCDS Graded Bk. 2 John Cass ......................................J ............................................. Bk. 49 The Montgomerie’s Rant .................R ............................................ Bk. 10 Miss Eleanor ...................................S ............................................ Bk. 49 EH3 7AF ........................................J ............................................. Bk. 40

Orpington Caledonians ...................R ............................................ Bk. 49 The Cannadine Strathspey ..............S ........ Birmingham Diamond Jubilee Cariboo Capers ..............................R ....... Vancouver Golden Anniversary Scott Meikle ...................................R ............................................ Bk. 46 The Alder Burn ..............................J ....................... J. Drewry Brodie Bk. The Deeside Wanderer ...................S ............. R. Goldring A Reel for Alice Polharrow Burn ..............................R ........... H. Foss Glendarroch Sheets Bratach Bana .................................R .............. J. Drewry Bon Accord Bk.

Burnaby Annual Dance, March 5

photo: Kerry McDevitt


Sunday May 29 Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance

Fort Langley Community Hall 2:00 pm 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley Tickets $25 The Fort Langley Voyagers welcome you to attend their Whisky-Tea Dance! You will be treated to some amazing music by Judi-Nicolson and Kathy Fraser-Collins. There will also be a few surprises along the way, followed by a sumptuous Tea in the historic Fort Langley Hall. For more info contact Larry or Maureen Ontotera: [email protected]

Programme:

The Jubilee Jig ............................ J ............................. RSCDS Leaflets Seann Triubhas Willichan .............. S ........................................ Book 27 Red House ...................................... R .......................................... Book 7 Sandy Butterly ............................... J .............................. Mary Brandon Monymusk ..................................... S ........................................ Book 11 The Macallan.................................. R ...................... Dorothy Hargreaves Rodney’s Rant ................................ J .............. RSCDS Diamond Jubilee The Swan and the Tay .................... S ......................................Perth 800 Sleepy Maggie................................. R ........................................ Book 11 Pelorus Jack .................................. J ........................................ Book 41 Pitlochry Lasses ............................. S .................................. Ruth Taylor The Falls of Rogie ........................... R ................................ Jean Attwood The Westminster Reel ..................... R ........................................ Book 45 The Minister on the Loch ................ S ........................ 4 Dances for 2008 The Wind that Shakes the Barley ... R .............................. 8 SCD Duthie

Saturday June 11 Home to the Highlands

Vancouver Scottish Cultural Centre 2:00 – 4:00 pm Adults - $15, Children & Seniors - $12 Piper: Kevin Watsyk Inverglen Scottish Dancers present their recital: Home to the Highlands. We hope to see you there.


Dancing in the Park 2016

Dancing in the Park 2016 starts on Monday June 20, 7-9 pm, at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park. Please join us each week as the local clubs take their turn hosting the event, welcoming dancers, friends, tourists, and passersby to discover the joy of Scottish Country Dancing — especially outside in a glorious park setting. Dance programmes will be posted on our website in June. For more information, contact Alison Moen: [email protected]

Date Host Club Theme

Jun 20 Burnaby and the VFO Salute to Summer — fabulous live music outdoors

Jun 27 Vancouver Branch see the Vancouver Police Pipe Band and Dem Team perform

Jul 4 Deep Cove Not too late to celebrate Canada Day!

Jul 11 Glenayre (Coquitlam) Frae Scotia’s Shores

Jul 18 Delbrook Dancers (North Van kids class)

Family and Friends – dancing is for everyone

Jul 25 Delta Borderers The Music will have you Dancing

Aug 1 West End A Frolic in the Park

Aug 8 Teachers’ Special Summer Favourites

Aug 15 Gleneagles (West Van) Fun and Favourites


West End Community Centre 7:30 – 11:00 pm 870 Denman, Vancouver $20 The West End Scottish Country Dance Club welcomes everyone to our Sixth Annual Fall Frolic. Dance to music by the Tartan Players. Followed by tea & refreshments. Our raffle prizes include a ticket to the 2017 Heather Ball.

A donation of a small plate of food would be greatly appreciated.

There will be a walk-through at the Scottish Cultural Centre on Wednesday, August 31 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm – $6.50.

Programme

It’s Nae Bother ............................... J ................. RSCDS Graded Book 2 Flowers of Edinburgh ..................... R .......................................... Book 1 Linnea’s Strathspey ........................ S ........................................ Book 47 MacLeod’s Fancy ............................ J ........................................ Book 33 Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan ......... R ..........Goldring – 14 Social Dances Neidpath Castle .............................. S ........................................ Book 22 Rodney’s Rant ................................ J ..................... QE Diamond Jubilee City of Stirling Reel......................... R ........ Goldring – Bannockburn 700 Dream Catcher ............................... S ........................................ Book 45 Napier’s Index ................................ J ........................................ Book 45 Polharrow Burn .............................. R ............... Foss – Magazine Dances Whimsical Kerry ............................. S ....................................... McDevitt De’il Amang the Tailors .................. R .......................................... Book 1

Saturday Sept 3 Fall Frolic

Please join us for what promises to be another wonderful weekend at Asilomar, October 28-30. The weekend features stellar teachers, outstanding musicians, great workshops, welcome dance, formal Ball and more, at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, California.

Our teachers this year are Graham Donald, Leeds, England ~ Pat Coyle, Uxbridge, Ontario ~ Sara Gratiot, Marina, CA ~ Robert McOwen, Arlington, Massachusetts ~ Linda Pettengill, Half Moon Bay, CA ~ Andrew Smith, Emporia, Kansas.

Music will be provided by the well-known Boston based dance band, Tullochgorum, and popular local dance band, StringFire!

Applications available online from April 1. For full weekend details and to apply, please go direct to asilomar.rscds-sf.org

We look forward to seeing you there! Charlotte Greig, San Francisco RSCDS Branch

Oct 28-30 Asilomar Weekend


Lost & Found

Two items of clothing were left behind at the Burnaby Dance held on March 5th:

• A lady’s black sweater with 3/4 length sleeves and satin ties

• A man’s wool sweater, MacGordon — made in Scotland, medium blue colour, size L

Owners of the above please contact Gerry or Susan Stensgaard at 604-451-1161 to arrange return.

For Sale: Prince Charlie Jacket

My name is Stephen Mckeever, formally a dancer with the Delta Borderers. As I no longer dance, I have regalia for sale, including a Prince Charlie jacket, immaculate condition, for a very reasonable price or offer. Would love to have someone enjoy wearing these, rather than them languishing in my closet. Can you help in this matter? Regards, Stephen 604-531-2627

BC Highland Games, Saturday June 18

Town Centre Park, Coquitlam

All dancers are invited to be part of a mass demonstration of Scottish Country Dancing at the games.

Mary Murray has once again agreed to lead us and is putting together a set of dances for the demonstration. Dances will not be difficult, everyone is invited to join in. Come by yourself, bring a partner … better still, bring a whole set. Participants will receive a discounted ticket into the games.

Three practices will be held before the games: Wednesdays: June 1st, 8th, and 15th, 7:30- 9:00 pm, at the Scottish Cultural Centre .

Sign up in person on June 1, or in advance by contacting:

Jean Wagstaff [email protected] 604-371-1939 or

Fran Hillier [email protected] 778-285-1242

RSCDS tent minders needed: Can you give 30 minutes or an hour between 11:30am and 5 pm? If so, please email me at [email protected]. Cathrine

News & NOT ICESNews & NOT ICESNews & NOT ICESNews & NOT ICES

A Deep Cove Collection of Dances

Devised by Dorothy Hargreaves ~ On Sale Now $12

Dorothy has created dances to interest everyone, from beginners to advanced dancers - reels, jigs, and strathspeys. Please contact Mary Ann McDevitt at 604.929.2944 or [email protected] to obtain your copy.


Beryl Skinner’s 90th Birthday Celebrated by

West Van Seniors Group

On February 23rd, the West Vancouver Seniors Scottish Country Dance group threw a surprise birthday party (a wee bit before the actual date) for Beryl Skinner, who was for many years a member of the Vancouver Branch. The senior’s group was joined by a good contingent of dancers from Gleneagles club, as well as by Gerry and Susan Stensgaard representing the Branch.

For the occasion of Beryl’s 90th birthday, Simon Scott devised a new dance appropriately called “Bonnie Beryl”, and at this gathering it was performed for the first time in Beryl’s honour. After the successful christening of Beryl’s dance, Gerry presented her with a birthday card on behalf of the Branch, and the gathering turned to cake, tea, and conviviality.

Well done Beryl, you are an inspiration to all dancers. Keep on dancing!

Gerry Stensgaard

Reminder:

Send your 2016-17 events listings to Peter Richards. [email protected]

photo: Morag Kerr


Eurofest

Eurofest is coming: Saturday & Sunday May 28 and 29, 11am to 5pm both days. This year the UK is the host or feature country, so there will be many different special offerings from each country. I’m adding travel brochures, SFU Centre for Scottish Studies information, and St. Andrew’s Caledonian Society material to our dancing promotion, to give a broader presentation of Scotland. We have a table (within the UK tent) to display our dancing and hopefully attract some wannabe dancers. If you’d like to experience this festival, and can give an hour or two at our booth, please let me know. Hours needed: Saturday 1-7 Sunday 11-7 (I’ll be there in the afternoon, so you needn’t miss the Fort Langley Tea Dance! I’ll sacrifice for my publicity duties! Sigh! )

The dem team will perform on Saturday some time. See the Eurofest web site for more information: www.europeanfestival.ca/

Cathrine — [email protected]

Canada Day Parade

Another Parade! Yippee! Canada Day July 1st! Gather about 6 pm at Alberni and Broughton downtown. Wear red and white! Tartan if you have it! All you need is sturdy shoes, and a smile on your face! Non-dancing walkers are welcome too, to carry banners and flags! See you there! Respond to Cathrine — [email protected]

Mark your calendars, folks! Friday September 16 is our AGM, followed by a special mystery event! Don’t count on being home by 9 pm! Details will be revealed in September’s White Cockade and on the web site (rscdsvancouver.org).


Mary Shoolbraid Brandon ~ Lass from Leslie

In early April of 1925 in the village of Leslie, Fife, Willy and Mamie Shoolbraid greeted their first-born child, and named her Mary. Willy and Mamie, of “Mamie’s Jig,” were each from a long line of dancers who met at a social dance class. Together with her brothers, Mary benefited greatly from a family steeped in four generations of music and dance. Young Mary gained her RSCDS Teaching Certificate and in 1955 set sail for Canada. Settling in Vancouver, Mary poured her love of dance into the Scottish community here, forming both adult and children’s classes. Mary was later very influential in bringing Miss Jean Milligan for her first visit to Vancouver. These visits led to the Vancouver Branch being established in 1964, with Mary one of its first committee members. As senior instructor, Mary guided the yearly Children’s Festival and taught at the annual three-day Vancouver Workshop on the long weekend in May. On one such rainy Vancouver weekend, Mary, and the late and great Stewart Smith, wrote the “Mary Stewart Strathspey,” with its amusing “puddles” formation. Mary instructed the teacher training class at the Branch and also formed and taught the first Vancouver Demonstration Team, for which she devised “The Dominie” and “Gassy Jack’s Eightsome.” Mary was also the first teacher of the Gleneagles Club in West Vancouver. The men admitted to being somewhat intimidated by her strict, no-nonsense, Scottish manner and style; but they always returned the following week! In 1965, Mary met David Brandon from Los Angeles at a dance festival in California. David and Mary were married in LA in December 1966 and Vancouver’s loss became a significant gain for Los Angeles. Together Mary and David built the LA Branch and promoted dancing throughout Southern California as far south as San Diego. David’s work took them to Hawaii in the early 1970s. As she had in Vancouver and Los Angeles, Mary brought her amazing energy, enthusiasm, talent, and example to Hawaii. In 1973 they founded the Hawaii Branch. Mary wrote several dances including “Sandy Butterly” for a new dancer and “Falls of Clyde” to help preserve an historic ship in Honolulu Harbor. They travelled to Japan were Mary led workshops and mentored teacher candidates while David assisted in the formation of the Tokyo Branch. In 1977 Mary and David hosted Miss Milligan in the Pacific Islands on her last tour to the US and Canada. After more than 20 Hawaiian years, Mary and David returned to Los Angeles. In 1987, Mary received the RSCDS Scroll of Honour for her contributions and devotion to the Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Diego, Hawaii and Tokyo branches. Mary was also appointed one of the first RSCDS examiners for North America. Most emigrants maintain strong ties to their homeland and its culture. Many of Mary’s are expressed in her numerous dances. Mary’s first book Memories of Fife contains “Balgeddie Reel” named for the Home


Farm on the estate of “Leslie House” and the ancient “Bull Stane” on Leslie Green. Her book Dances With a Difference came next with references to her West Coast life such as the “Pasadena Prom” with music recorded by Muriel Johnstone. Mary was recently finalizing her soon-to-be-published book The Emigrant Scot. Mary spent her last years living in Santa Barbara, fondly reminiscing over her very full and active life. On 9 March this year, a month before her 91st birthday, Mary made her last curtsy. Peacefully, in her sleep, she slipped away from “this” dance floor to follow the sun across an unknown horizon. Mary spent her life upholding and demonstrating, through her own beautiful dancing and teaching, the fine and worthy standards of the RSCDS. Her example and influence are felt and cherished across North America, valued around the world and recognized by Headquarters in her beloved homeland. She asked that we celebrate her life by gathering together, to “raise a glass and dance, with strong arms, proper hands and exact foot positions;” true to the spirit and standard of her lasting legacy. And so we should! What better way can we thank, and indeed celebrate, this remarkable and truly “grand lady of dance” whose own “amazing grace” and poise has seldom been matched on the ballroom floor. Simon Scott I had danced for many years in the UK before coming to Vancouver in 1961 and was very inspired by Mary’s commitment and passion for a high

standard of dancing … I still am. ~ S.S.

Mary with Miss Milligan and Vancouver candidates

Mary with Simon and David Mary with Robert and Rosemary Coupe


On the dance f loorOn the dance f loorOn the dance f loorOn the dance f loor

CelticFest Parade — March 13th

What a fabulous turn-out. (I mean number of people who showed up, not foot position!) We had 25 , including driver, banner and flag carriers, and parade flagger. Several of the dancers were there for the first time, and had been recruited at Duncan’s Ceilidh. It was fun, the group spirit was infectious, and we finished the route in record time (pant, pant) as they urged us to hurry up. An unforgettable experience! A huge thank-you to all participants! You were awesome! I think we made a very good presentation. Next one is the Canada Day Parade, July 1st, 6 pm (see earlier in this issue). Guaranteed warm weather! I hope to see you there. Cathrine

above: The Great Green Dancers, all a-smile because

there was no rain

right: Susan, Gerry, and others at the street show after the

parade


2016 Heather Ball

The 7th annual Heather Ball danced its way into the history books on March 19th, leaving behind memories of a relaxed and happy occasion. There was something old and something new, something familiar and something different, all combined to produce a most enjoyable evening.

The music was provided by Nicol McLaren and his Band specially brought over from Scotland, and by fiddler Judi Nicolson from Houston, Texas. What a combination they proved to be as it was impossible not to want to dance to their exciting music and the dance floor was always crowded with enthusiastic and energetic dancers. Truly it was the music that distinguished the ball as exceptional. The dances were mostly well-loved familiar ones with one or two new challenges that kept dancers on their toes. They were chosen by Rebecca Blackhall-Peters who very ably and delightfully MCed the dancing so that everyone could enjoy the dances without bothering about whether they knew them!

Over 140 members and friends attended the evening that began with cocktails and appetizers in the attractively decorated hall after which a light supper was served. Serving the supper at the beginning and making it light was appreciated as this made the subsequent dancing more comfortable. A St. Andrews Cross Grand March was an entertaining introduction that set the mood for the dance and there was even a safety briefing delivered in verse. An innovation that was well received was serving hot apple juice and shortbread immediately after the dance so that there was an opportunity to socialise with friends and chat about the evening.

Many volunteers helped to make this Heather Ball a success. They are too numerous to thank each one individually but my committee and all others who helped are to be congratulated and thanked for their support.

Overall, dancers at this year’s Heather Ball had a good time in a friendly and festive atmosphere. This bodes well for future Heather Balls that bring together so many Branch members to enjoy our distinctive pastime of Scottish Country Dancing.

Denise Cunningham, Chair, 2016 Heather Ball Committee

Nicol McLaren's Trio, with fiddler Judi Nicolson


Heather Ball 2016

left: Barbara

Moritz & Elena Bereg

photos: Kerry McDevitt


RSCDS Children’s and Family Easter Party

The Children’s and Family Easter Party was held on Saturday, April 9, in North Vancouver. It was a fun afternoon enjoyed by all the children, their parents and friends who attended. We would like to thank the Easter Bunny (Chris Boutin) and Louise Steinway for playing her fiddle to accompany the Easter Bunny. A big thank you to Elspeth Rennie and Helen McCrindle at the door collecting cash and looking after the raffle tickets and to Mary Wright for looking after the shop. Also thanks to all the willing volunteers in the kitchen helping with the food and drinks, and to everyone who brought food. Our local merchants were very generous with their donations which was very much appreciated. Louise Steinway and the Children’s Committee

above: teacher Louise Steinway on fiddle with Easter Bunny

Chris Boutin

right: teacher Pat Johnson with the Delbrook Dancers

photos: Deidre Grace

white cockade may 2016 - web · the white cockade — may – august 2016 7 west end community...

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