|
NOTE: This page is optimised for PCs using MS Windows at 800x600 screen resolution. Some formatting might change in other resolutions. Wingdings or webdings may not appear correctly on a Mac or other OS but this should not affect the general readability of the page.
|
Spring is in the air and manifested in a young man's fancy at André's Bowral weekend, with David from Folk Dance Canberra proposing (between dances) to his beloved Grace! Congratulations to you both and no doubt there'll be many Balkan favourites danced at your wedding! A lively evening was had by all at the Balkan event held in Sydney at the
end of July, with music from Mara and friends, singing by the Martinitsa Choir,
performances by the Ilenden Macedonian dancers and participation in dances led
by Gary Dawson and Yorgo, and by everyone else packed into the Ultimo hall. There
should be more of it! Here on the mid-north coast, we've dusted off some of Sedenka's Bulgarian costumes and displayed and danced in them for local senior citizens and at the annual Steiner School Fair, with many favourable comments from onlookers. It's lovely to see older people of other nationalities relating to the music, costumes and dance when they have with the opportunity to see them. We (the Lazarka International Folk Dance Group) have also been invited to perform in the gardens of the Cassegrain Vineyard at their Harvest Picnic and Cultural Festival on November 9. This has been organised to highlight our cultural diversity through food, wine and entertainment, so hopefully, the folkdance message will spread in this area. We're very lucky here in Australia to have so many international dance groups coming to perform - Macedonians, Serbians, Siberian Cossacks and the Whirling Dervishes to name a few. I hope lots of members can enjoy such special performances. Don't forget to try some new "Macedonian moves" if you're near Sydney
on October 12 at Yorgo's workshop (see page 10). Jenny Lester, FDA President DANCE TEACHING INSTRUCTION COURSE FDA is pleased to announce that the first of the modules in the restructured
Teacher Training Course will be conducted in March 2004. There are still a lot of details to be settled (such as firm dates for each module and costs) but FDA wanted to get the word out as soon as possible. I will be only too happy to talk with interested people and I can be contacted by telephone (02)6286 6401, or email. ? Lesley
Rose, DTIC Facilitator |
FROM LADY NORTHCOTE TO THE SUBURB OF NORTHCOTE For a change this year, the Melbournians tried a city weekend instead of their residential Folk Dance camp. Thanks to Debbie Tait and her helpers, the suburban two-day workshops were hugely successful. Audrey Shoobridge was busy with her camera, Debbie's catering was magnificent, and everyone assisted with the chores. Folk Dancers from Canberra, Noosa, South Australia and Castlemaine were represented, along with many other enthusiasts. Sincere thanks go to tutors Peter Williams and Rae Marnham who taught superbly and made the sessions both enjoyable and educational. The group extends thanks to Folk Dance Australia for their administrative support. Thanks to everyone involved for your attendance, co-operation and friendliness. Many kindred spirits met, and all the Folks had Folk Dance Fun!!! ? Dorothy
Plummer (VIC)
FROM OUR ROVING REPORTER Fresh mountain air, cool weather, conducive to dancing; dance, music, singing
and language teachers of a high calibre. Busy days for one who opted for Bulgarian,
Serbian and Turkish dance lessons! (gave the Greek a miss). continued next page... => |
| ...continued from previous page 5th
International Folklore Festival - Dorkovo It was a thrill to be on the unevenly planked stage with them, outdoors amongst the trees, and actually was a dreamlike experience as not only did I dance Bulgarian racenica and Hungarian Block, but sang (or faked!) songs in the respective languages! I very much enjoyed dancing Nestinarski too. The group also performed Varna dance, Djinovsko and several others. There were many ensembles from the region, all attired in beautiful costumes. As well, friends from Sofia 6 were on stage; "Village Harmony" choir from the U.S. (consisting of students); ensemble "Rad" from Serbia (fantastic); "Mistura" from northern Spain (Galicia region-Celtic-the music and dancing slightly resembling Scottish); and "Alianza" from northern Mexico, made up of university students. There was colour everywhere - laughter - chatter, all contributing tto a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The family with whom I was housed, with five others, was very 'simpatico' and by the end of four days we really felt as though we belonged. The garden was filled with a variety of flowers and fruit trees and one was lulled to sleep at night, or early hours of the morning, by a largish river flowing past at the bottom of the garden. One day we drove higher into the mountains to an old fortress from where there was a wonderful view of the countryside. Just when I think there will be some respite from writing articles for Footnotes, something else I would like to share with you, comes along - but I'm certainly not complaining about these marvellous opportunities and wholeheartedly agree with a comment from Hannah (Folk on the Web, FDA, August 2003) - Dance is spirit! ? Anna Travali (QLD) MACEDONIAN SPECTACULAR Performing is not part of every group's activity, but those that do have probably found it has its not-so-rewarding moments, eg, take the Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group's (SSFDG) recent experience. "The ladies from the SSFDG had been invited to perform at a local Nursing Home - a venue that we hadn't previously performed at, and one we definitely won't be returning to! Our reasonable 'pre-requisites' of an adequate dancing space, chairs placed around the perimeter and a suitable room for changing had obviously been too difficult to arrange. On arriving at the venue, we asked where we should go to change. The answer given was, "I don't know. Go and find an empty room" and certainly, 15 minutes later, a suitable empty room was found, that is, after we had forayed down various corridors and inadvertently entered some residents' private rooms. continued top of next column => |
... continued from previous column Checking out the dance area, we found an L-shaped space, not exactly what we had in mind! The chairs were scattered around the room facing every way except towards us! When we approached one resident to ask if she would like us to turn her around to watch, we were snarled at and so decided not to bother asking anyone else - they could turn themselves around if they wanted. The staff was obviously not interested in what we were doing either - some had disappeared into the bowels of the Nursing Home, and others were busy elsewhere. We proceeded with our display anyway, and gave ourselves permission to make mistakes, giggle, add strange calls, dance anywhere in the room, and generally relax and enjoy ourselves. We amused the residents (those who could see us), amused ourselves, and spent the next half-hour "modifying" some beautiful dances. At the conclusion of our program, we thanked the residents and decided we definitely needed a cup of tea! We finally tracked down a member of staff and asked an apparently stupid question, "Could we get a cup of tea anywhere?" We were looked at in horror and told, "Well, I don't know about that". We eventually did get one, albeit out of plastic cups, thanks to the member of staff who had booked us in the first place. She obviously felt obliged to show some semblance of hospitality. Yes, we were paid, but I do wonder if we were only 'part of the number of
entertainment hours' that the home was required to provide! I pity the residents
- this would not be my choice of home foor my old age. ? Kaye Laurendet (NSW) HEELS IN THE HEATHER The Dancing of Scotland -
continued next page... => |
|
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Set dances are common throughout the British Isles, but the Scots have developed their own distinctive steps and style. Country dances were introduced into Scotland from England in around 1700, but it was in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that the unique nature of Scottish country dancing began to develop. One of the earliest records of steps for individual dances dates from 1749 when a collection of eighteen dances was written down at Castle Menzies. The oral tradition of memorising and passing on dances to the next generation was more common until the twentieth century when written records became available. The basis of this dance form is the steps. These are specific movements, for example the pas de basque and the slip step, and knowledge of the steps is necessary before attempting the steps; unlike, for example in bush dancing where complete novice can join in. There are also special means of progression eg. the allemande and the poussette, and special figures which may be performed, such as a wheel or a chain. The names of many country dance terms are French in origin, and the style and presentation has been greatly influenced by the French. The reason for this dates as far back as the "Auld Alliance" between Scotland and France in the thirteenth century, as well as customs brought back to Scotland by the many Scottish mercenaries who fought in France over the years. The Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in 1923 for the purpose of collecting and publishing dances, regulating steps and footwork, and promotion of this dance form. Today, what is now the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has published over four hundred dances. Many of which date from the eighteenth century, but recently-choreographed dances are also included. The RSCDS has over 25,000 members worldwide, making country dance a highly popular cultural dance form.
continued next page... => |
| HIGHLAND DANCING Tacitus, a Roman historian writing in 54 BC, records that the Caledonians had the habit of dancing around their swords, and indeed each dance performed in Highland dancing has a rich history and an interesting story to tell. Out of this long history, this dance form has become both highly technical and fiercely competitive, but individual dances stand as fine examples of national history and heritage recorded in the steps of a dance. The Highland Fling is a victory dance, drawing inspiration from the prancing of the stag, whose antlers are represented by the dancer's arms. Originally danced by men, it is performed on the spot because it shows the victor dancing on his defeated enemy's shield. The Sword dance or Ghillie Chalium also draws on battle scenes, but it is uncertain whether it was done over one's own sword and scabbard before battle, or over one's own sword and that of the enemy after the victory. Some even claim the origin dates back to the famous Malcolm and MacBeth at the battle of Dunsinane in 1054. The Seann Triubhas (Gaelic for old trousers) contains shaking movements of the leg to represent the discarding of the trousers (which the Scots had been forced to wear by the English) and a return to the freedom of the kilt. These are but a few of the many dances learned by Highland students. Highland dance today is governed by strict rules laid down by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, with both competitions and exams being held worldwide.
|
||||
| SCOTTISH STEP-DANCING Step-dancing is the least-known of the forms of Scottish dance, having been in decline in Scotland itself during the twentieth century. In Scotland today many consider it to be "Irish" dancing but this is not the case. The old reels were danced in all strata of Scottish society, but most often in croft house kitchens, where the space was very restricted. The arms hang by the sides (hence the confusion with Irish dance) and there are alternate sections of travellingand setting on the spot. The feet are parallel and kept close to the floor throughout the dance. In Scottish colonies such as Cape Breton Island in Canada, the step-dancing tradition is still strong, but in Scotland itself, with its close proximity to England and its acceptance of country dancing, the emphasis shifted from the stepping per se to the figures and patterns of the sets. In the nineteenth century, the solo step dances performed at Highland Games became more like ballet, and with larger spaces in which to dance, moved further away from the original step dance style. In addition, the introduction of soft-soled dance shoes meant that the emphasis shifted from the beating of the rhythm on the floor with the feet to the graceful pointing of toes seen in modern Highland dance. So, while step-dancing may have faded in popularity, it forms the historical basis for much of both country and Highland dancing as practised today. SCOTTISH
MUSIC
|
...continued from previous page COSTUMES
The Scottish Tartans Authority keeps a record of all registered tartans, whether they be of a clan, district, regimental, or corporate. In country dancing, the kilt is worn only by men, along with white shirt, jacket, tie, sporran and long socks. The ladies wear white dresses with a tartan sash pinned to the left shoulder. However, in the illustrations below it can be seen that some variation in the positioning of the sash, as well as the colour of the ladies' dresses, is being adopted, and not only by HRH The Princess Royal!
Both men and ladies wear special lace-up shoes but this was not always so; a record from 1824 states that dancers wore their 'kirkshoon' or church shoes, while in the early twentieth century, men used to wear patent leather shoes and the ladies, a form of court shoe. The dress code for Highland dancing is far more rigorous. The kilt is worn by both sexes for dances which were originally performed by men eg the Highland Fling; it is replaced by tartan trousers for males for some other dances, whereas the females change to their Aboyne outfits of tartan skirt, white blouse and velvet vest. Specialty dances such as the Sailor's Hornpipe have their own costumes.
? Jeannette Mollenhauer (NSW) |
|
"New Wave" Folkdancing Resources a variety of dances for various ages. Order through Kaye Laurendet, okaye@optusnet.com.au or 02 9528 4813.
|
|
By Julius Timmerman CUBAN ALL STARS. Various, LATISPHERE LAT1018 (thru MRA) HOOKAH CAFÉ "DREAMLAND -WORLD LULLABIES & SOOTHING SONGS" "Dreamland" as the title suggests, contains meditative, calming songs for relaxing to - they may not necessarily put the children to sleep, but who cares when adults can enjoy as well. The variety of unusual songs from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Australia, Russia and Japan each have their own particular attraction which will satisfy all who want to extend their musical appreciation. "Salsa Around The World" is a toe-tapping collection of Latin dance tunes from places you never would have imagined. In fact one of the highlights is Japanese band Orquesta de la Luz, refined and totally authentic. continued top of next column => |
... continued from previous column The Finns struggle a bit to capture the Latin flavour, but otherwise the beat
comes on strong and real from Senegal, Morocco, India, Cameroon, Haiti, Curacao,
Italy, Greece and och aye even Scotland. NOTHING'S IN VAIN - YOUSSOU N'DOUR
|
FDA Macedonian Dance Workshop, 12 Oct 2003
For more details, contact Sandra Bassetti, 02 6552 5142, or Kaye Laurendet, 02 9528 4813. FDA Middle Eastern Dance Workshop, 16 Nov
For more details, contact Sandra Bassetti, 02 6552 5142, or Kaye Laurendet, 02 9528 4813. Hungary on a Plate
Prices include New Years Eve buffet dinner, prepared by Gold medal winning Hungarian Chef. For more information or a copy of the brochure please email: hungaryonaplate@optusnet.com.au.
Belco Stanev, Bulgarian Seminar, 2003 In this beautiful environment, a 14-day seminar begins 3 October, 2003
for a cost of Euro€710. The price includes the dance seminar (5 hours daily
tuition with live music), optional lessons in Bulgarian singing and language,
accommodation and full board with traditional Bulgarian cuisine and visiting
a local festival and historic towns. For an extra fee, tuition in the playing
of the gajda, gadulka, kaval, tambura and/or tapan is provided. continued top of next column => |
... continued from previous column Georgian Dance Seminar, Georgia, October This Dance and Music Study Tour to the Republic of Georgia will run from 13 October - 28 October, 2003 in Tbilissi and Sighnaghi. It will encompass 4 hours of dance lessons with live music a day, singing classes, opportunity to take music, percussion and cooking classes, but NOT a 5 star tourist experience!... We will be living with Georgian families and experiencing Georgian hospitality which is overwhelming and everyday living conditions which are very basic. The classes take place in Sighnaghi in Eastern Georgia. This quaint town has a spectacular view of the Caucasian mountains as well as the plains that stretch into Azerbaijan and Daghestan. The beautiful local monastery is the resting place of St. Nino who first brought Christianity to Georgia. The fees will not only help support Georgian families, musicians and dancers but also a Georgian centre for people with a disability (one of the first of its kind) which is also a farm practising biodynamic agriculture. Dance teachers: Michail Djidalishvili (ex dancer in the Georgian State Ensemble) and Lela Chuzishvili will be assisted by Helene Eriksen. The music teachers are: Valeri Gurgenishwili (accordion), Spartaki Gurgenishvili (percussion) and Lali Khandolishvili (singing). We will have a German and English translator (from Georgian), Helene will also translate (from Russian). Spaces are limited, so sign up early! More information on www.helene-eriksen.de. 3rd St. Petersburg "Russian Spring"
International Folk Music Festival, June, 2004
For more information, e-mail: folk@sp.ru or check their website www.fma.sp.ru.
continued next page... => |
...continued from previous page Dance Grand Prix - three events, Europe 2004 Prague Festival Dance Prize 2004 will be held in the Czech Republic during
the Easter, 2004. For more information about the organisation, the Art Director, Mr. Tiberio Meneghelli can provide the e-mail and post address of many previous participants from all over the world. For more information about the festival programs, visit www.dancegrandprix.com, or email dancegrandprix@dancegrandprix.com. Machol Pacifica, July, 2004 It will include residential accommodation at Lindisfarne College, Hastings (NZ), parallel classes for Thorough or Fast learners and workshops for young people. To get more information, contact Kathleen Osborne: kjo@xtra.co.nz or check the website www.saveguard.co.nz/dance These wonderful teachers will also be in Melbourne with the "Hora" group from 16 - 18 July, 2004. Contact appel@bigpond.net.au or telephone 03 9576 1108 for more information.
|
Name: Valentin Atanasov Name: louise maral
|
|
|
-PAGE 13-
|
Please Sign Our Guestbook Comments and suggestions Welcome!
View Our Guestbook
Copyright © FDA 2003, all rights reserved.
Left:
Left:
rhythm
and are not as common as either reels or strathspeys.
Left: A manufacturer's advertising