Peter Ellis, noted musician and researcher writes – ‘Colonial Dance refers to the social dances popular after settlement from 1788 to 1900. Some will even consider the period from 1900 to the First World War when the big changes commenced, as being an extension of the Colonial period, which is what is meant by a ‘slightly stretched Colonial era’. Throughout the late eighteenth and all of the nineteenth century, generally all of the dances arrived as ballroom dances, the latest craze often, direct from England, who in turn got them from Paris. Whilst they have all been taken from other European Folk Dances (or Anglo-Celtic dances at the turn of the previous century), they have been drastically altered for introduction to society by the European and Parisian Dance Teachers, and then by the English. There is little that was directly brought out here by the actual immigrants of various ethnicity. Where they had their own settled communities of course their own national and folk dances may have continued at their priva te gatherings, but it was rare and the evidence is more to the assimilation and quick adoption of the fashion of the day, which had common ground across all levels and types of society.’

 

It is very confusing to compile a list of the dances because of the conflicting dates from various sources and the lack of past records. Some would be dated from the original country of origin, others by their earliest recorded introduction to Australia, and others by their inclusion in actual Ball Programmes and Bush Dances throughout the years. The list will be updated as more information is obtained.

 

In R L Lovenberry’s Dance Manual published in 1884 in Brisbane, there are dances from other countries that were included in Ballroom Lessons; whether these were brought out by the actual migrants or imported from overseas dance instructors is not explained.

 

During the Folk Revival and the start of Bush Dances, dances were certainly adopted from many sources and are still being included.

 

Many thanks go to the late Shirley Andrews for her years of research re dances and Peter Ellis for his music research as well. Many thanks also go to the other Colonial and Bush Dance groups who keep these dances alive and to the many musicians who enjoy playing for them.

        

                     (Jan Orloff – Queensland Colonial and Heritage Dancers)

 

FOLK REVIVAL, BUSH DANCES

 

During the 1950’s, many traditional folk and ethnic dances were introduced to the Social Dance scene and the term “Bush Dances” described the dances started by the Bush Music Club of NSW. Since then, many old dances have been revived and new ones devised using traditional steps and movements. The list continues to grow as dances are incorporated from other sources – such as New England Contra Dances, Irish Set Dances, Playford Dances, English Country Dances, Scottish Country Dances, Welsh Dances and dances from Scandinavian countries. TSDAV (Traditional Social Dance Assoc. of Victoria) encourages new compositions each year at the National Folk Festival by conducting dance competitions for beginners and experienced dancers.

 

REVIVAL OF THE QUADRILLES

 

The late Shirley Andrews was instrumental in the recording of our Social Dance History through many publications and with the help of Lucy Stockdale (33 Centennial Ave West Brunswick 3055) and TSDAV (Traditional and Social Dance Assoc. of Victoria), revived many quadrilles (“How Australia Danced Last Century”) and published booklets and videos so they can be kept “alive”.

 

Peter Ellis and the “Emu Creek Band” and many other musicians recorded the music, with the assistance of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo and District Inc, PO Box 922 Bendigo 3552 Victoria. 

 

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~bushdanz/

 

OTHER RESEARCHERS

 

Dave de Santi of “Wongawilli” has researched and recorded the music (now available on CD) for many of the social dances now enjoyed using traditional Australian tunes.

 

http://www.wongawillicolonialdance.org.au

 

 

Queensland

Colonial and Heritage

Dancers

© QCHD 2001

Created   26/11/2001

Updated  18/11/2007

Australian Social Dance History