The Bundanoon DanceFest
The Beginnings
In 2008 a dancing tour to Norfolk Island was organised with Lance and Barbara Court being main instigators. Dave Johnson joined in and coordinated dance callers and musicians.
On our return home the question was asked "What next?" and the Bundanoon DanceFest was started.
2009 to 2025
The Bundanoon DanceFest has become a highlight of the Social Dance calendar with dancers, callers and musicians travelling great distances to partake.
After the first event the take-away message from the feedback session was "Don't change anything!" and so the format has been constant with only minor tweaks.
Over the period 2009 to 2025 there have been a remarkable 346 workshops and 42 evening dances. This has been made possible by the underpinning support of the callers, their lead musicians and the many supporting musicians.
The support of the Bush Traditions Inc Committee during this period is both appreciated and acknowledged.
Features of the DanceFest
Social Dance
a range of social dance genres including Traditional & Contemporary Australian, Irish, Scottish, Contra, English, European and More.
The very nature of these social dance forms makes for a great camaraderie.
Live Music
music is chosen by each workshop by a lead musician in consultation with the caller, then posted to the website and downloaded and played by experienced and less experienced musicians from Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra and Interstate.
Day-time Workshops
Workshops, with Australia's finest callers of many genres, are presented in two or three streams during the day. Dancers who are experienced in one or two styles are challenged by the range of options.
Evening Dances and Ball
Friday evening sees a welcome Bush Dance. Saturday has the callers from the day reprising their dances in turn. Sunday is similar but with a full dress-up Ball. Monday has a shorter dance after the mornings workshops.
Other Events
Pssst.....
A range of other activities are being whispered about.....
Keep your ear out for further news....