About this Event
Scottish Historical Dance Fundraiser with Supper included!
Come join us for a night of traditional Scottish dancing at the BrisWest Centre! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to reel the night away while supporting a good cause.
A Wee Trip Through Time: Celebrate Scottish Heritage with a Dance in Paddington!
Calling all Brisbane kilt-wearers and dance enthusiasts! Get ready for a night of toe-tapping fun as we celebrate Scottish heritage and community spirit in the heart of Paddington.
Paddington might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of Scottish settlers, but Brisbane's suburbs hold a wealth of hidden histories. While the 2021 census shows a very small percentage of first-generation Scottish immigrants in Paddington itself, Brisbane as a whole has a strong Scottish connection. This can be seen in place names like Dunwich and Strathpine, and the cultural influence that persists today. Even Government House has a Robert The Bruce stained glass window!
This Scottish Historical Dance at the Briswest Centre on August 3rd is a fantastic opportunity to connect with that heritage in a truly delightful way. Imagine waltzing the night away to a live band on the beautiful sprung dance floor, learning traditional Scottish community dances from the experts at the Australian Historical Dance Society of Queensland. No expereience required!
A Night to Remember
The evening promises a fun and inclusive experience, perfect for whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet (don't worry, there's no such thing in traditional Scottish dance!). With a limit of 100 attendees, you're guaranteed a spacious and comfortable environment to learn and perfect those steps.
Supperform local favourite Sassafras is included in the $65 ticket price, so you can fuel up for a night of energetic fun. Whether you have Scottish ancestry or simply love a good dance, this is an event not to be missed!
So dust off your dancing shoes, iron the pleats in your kilt, and head to the Briswest Centre on August 3rd for a night that celebrates community, culture, and the joy of movement. It'll be a truly unforgettable experience!
This event is a fundraiser for Paddington Then & Now - your local online history group and community memory keepers. We hope you can join us! Wear some tartan, a kilt or plaid and get in the Scottish spirit.
Your Dance caller and instructor Dr Heather Blasdale-Clarke, Cultural historian.
Dr Heather Blasdale Clarke is a cultural historian who has dedicated her career to studying and understanding the rich cultural heritage of European dance in Australia. In 2018, she expanded her expertise by conducting doctoral research on the culture of early Australian convicts, further enhancing her knowledge in the field and leading to the development of the museum exhibition Dancing in Fetters: the culture of convict dance.
In addition to her focus on European dance, Heather also delves into the history of dancing on board ships during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the Anglo/Celtic traditions of step dancing in Australia. Her research goes beyond the technical aspects of dance, investigating its societal context and significance. Heather has received a total of seven research scholarships, both nationally and internationally, to advance her studies in this field.
By combining a comprehensive understanding of the many dance traditions relevant to early Australian history, she is able to bring a deep insight to this fascinating study. Heather’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the enrichment of Australia’s dance heritage through workshops, conferences, and the publication of her research findings on the website https://www.historicaldance.au...
Heather is proficient in classical ballet, English country dance, Highland and Scottish country dance, Irish solo and social dance, English/Australia clog dance, and late colonial/old-time dance. She teaches regular classes in Brisbane with special classes provided in other capital cities upon request
Heather has received seven research scholarships from the Australian Folk Trust, the Country Dance and Song Society (Boston, Massachusetts) and the Historical Dance Society (UK).
Performances include dancing at many community events such as regional festivals, school fetes, multicultural events, Highland fairs, small folk festivals and village fairs. More important performances were given in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, National Library of Australia’s World Upside Down Exhibition, Heritage Weeks at the Sydney Town Hall, National Trust properties: Vaucluse House, Hume Cottage, and Lanyon Homestead. Regular performances at the National Folk Festival (1994-present).
Heather danced in the 1992 movie “Over the Hill”, and ABC television dramas “The Boy in the Bush”(D.H. Lawrence), and “Tusitala” (Robert Louis Stevenson).
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
BrisWest Centre, 132 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, Australia
AUD 70.14
