Ceilidh Dance newsletter – next Ceilidh Dance – Monday August 6, 2012 in Stanley Park
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
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I was lazy last night after the dance so the letter is a day late! Final dance class last Tuesday and I forgot to bring my kilt!! then Demonstration Team practice on Thursday and the wonderful Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance yesterday. It truly was a wonderful affair again with an interesting programme including a number of dances by the late Roy Goldring, super music with fiddler Ryan MacKasson and pianist Lisa Scott, great MC’ing by Rebecca and ending with the scrumptious “tea” as well as the famous strawberries. It was, altogether a splendid affair which dancers from all over (including two from New Zealand) and all abilities (including one who came from the Ceilidh Dancing to his first ever RSCDS dance.)
Dancing in the Park will be starting in a few weeks – Monday, June 11 and practises for the Massed demonstration at the Highland Games start on Wednesday, June 6. Check out the list of events on the web page – www.vancouverceilidh.org – as there are often new additions such as I have added a lecture next week, a concert by Blackthorn in White Rock, an outdoor dance in Wenatchee, a workshop & ball in Banff and a masked ball in Galveston.
There is a Ceilidh night in the Park again – August 6 – see below for more details of Dancing in the Park. There also is a joint Ceilidh/Scottish Country Dance event on Friday, July 13 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with music by a group of visiting fiddlers from Scotland as well as the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. More info to come.
Don’t forget to support the young dancers – both the Inverglen Scottish Dancers (June 9) and the Stave Falls Scottish Dancers (June 23) have displays which are well worth the cost as they are a great evening of entertainment. See Coming Events for all the info.
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Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!
Heilannan’s Umbrella
NOTE:- the BC Highland Games is to be held on Saturday June 23, 2012 in Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam. This is a week earlier than normal so please help us by passing this information along. Lots of fun for all ages. Dancing, Pipe bands, Heavy events, Children’s corner, Vendor tents, Beer tent and whisky tasting and much, much more.
The BC Highland Games Organizing Committee still needs more volunteers. 50 to 75 volunteers are needed on the day of the games.
If you are able to assist, please contact Jim Bain (604-435-0764) or Glenna Urbshadt (604-224-5479).
Early bird tickets – Adult $13; Senior/Students $8; Children 6-12 $3 can be purchased online at www.bchighlandgames.com. Prices at the Gate are $15/$10/$5
The Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) have put on a mass display of Scottish Country dancing each year and this year is no exception. Practices are to be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre on Wednesday evenings June 6, 13 & 30 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Participation entitles you to a discounted entry into the Games but more importantly you can join in the fun and the thrill of performing at centre stage as part of a great display. The programme is devised by Mary Murray and everyone is welcome to join in. Call or e-mail Jean for info and to register – 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org – or come on the first night and sign up then. Note none of the dances will be difficult!!
Check out the BC Highland Games website at www.bchighlandgames.com A Sponsorship package is available from the website so if you or you know of anyone who would like to sponsor the Games and/or advertise in the programme please download the form and pass it on.
Children Are Quick
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America.
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
CLASS: Maria.
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Another week with many hours spent in the garden – moving soil, digging, weeding, pruning, etc. – and yet if you came to visit you probably wouldn’t notice anything we’ve done!! Margaret has planted many plants and made up some hanging baskets, etc. all of which need some nice warm sunshine but, of course, today it is raining and cool again. There is no sign that my grass seed has germinated although it has only been 8 days or so so I suppose there is still a slim chance. Our club picnic is next Sunday so I do hope the weather improves as the “lawn” takes a long time to dry up so we can dance on it.
SCOTTISH INVENTORS: I received a short note from Phil, a former dancer, re last week’s inventor Sir Robert Watson-Watt (1893-1973) who had developed radar:-
A little comment about Sir Robert Watson Watt, the inventor of the magnetron, which was the basis of early radar. While I was in England in the early seventies I attended a lecture he was giving. He was quite late arriving. His reason – he had been delayed because he had been caught speeding in a radar speed trap!
Sir James Black (1924 – )
Invented Beta-blockers
Born in Uddingston, Glasgow, he developed drugs that saved millions of lives. Beta-blockers such as Propranolol and Tenormin revolutionised heart treatments. Then came ulcer tackling drugs, like Tagamet. Won the Nobel Prize in 1988. Dundee University Chancellor.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS – see www.vancouverceilidh.org for a complete list.
| 2012 | |
| May 31 | The Douglas College Study Abroad in Scotland Program presents two public lectures: A Play, a Pie & a Pint from 10:00-11:30 in Room 1614, New Westminster Campus Actor/Director Deborah Neville recently returned from Glasgow, Scotland where she directed and taught at The Royal Scottish Conservatoire. In this public lecture she gives a “tour” of several contemporary theatre companies and theatre spaces in Scotland. |
| Jun 3- 10 | Celtic Music Cruise Alaska see www.CelticMusicCruise for info. |
| Jun 4 & 11 | Two Danish Les Lanciers classes at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. 7:30 — 9:30 p.m. – $15 for both classes — info ccdmarie@telus.net and www.heartlanddancevancouver.org |
| Jun 6 | First practice for the “Mass Dancing” performance at the Highland Games. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — 7:30 — 9:00 p.m. Join in the fun and be part of a great display of Scottish Country Dancing stepping through a programme devised by Mary Murray. All levels welcome and you get a discounted entry to the Games. Contact Jean for info — 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 9 | Inverglen Scottish Dancers present “A Celtic Journey” at 2 p.m. Magee Secondary Theatre, 6360 Maple Street, Vancouver. All seats $14 — Scottish Country and Highland Dancing wuth piper Kevin Watsyk |
| Jun 11 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by Deep Cove |
| Jun 13 | Second practice for the “Mass Dancing” performance at the Highland Games. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — 7:30 — 9:00 p.m. Join in the fun and be part of a great display of Scottish Country Dancing stepping through a programme devised by Mary Murray. All levels welcome and you get a discounted entry to the Games. Contact Jean for info — 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 15-17 | Simply Scottish on Salt Spring II, Salt Spring Island BC Canada We’re excited to welcome great teachers Elaine Brunken, Mary Murray, and Geoffrey Selling, and fabulous musicians John Taylor, David Mostardi, and Mary Ross. Details later at www.saltspringscottishdancers.org |
| Jun 16 | White Rock Elks Folk Music Concerts featuring “Blackthorn.” Elks Hall, 1469 George Street, White Rock — Doors 7 p.m. Concert 8 p.m. Limited seating — tickets Members $12.50 non members $15 — info at www.blackthornband.com |
| Jun 18 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by the Branch — this is the Official Opening night with a Pipe Band and the Branch Demonstration Team |
| Jun 20 | Final practice for the “Mass Dancing” performance at the Highland Games. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — 7:30 — 9:00 p.m. Join in the fun and be part of a great display of Scottish Country Dancing stepping through a programme devised by Mary Murray. All levels welcome and you get a discounted entry to the Games. Contact Jean for info — 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 23 | BC Highland Games — note this is one week earlier than usual- Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam. Gates open 8 a.m. Highland Dancing, Piping, Drumming, Heavy Events, Haggis Hunting, Vendor tents, Scottish Country Dancing displays. Massed Bands, Beer Tent, Whisky Tasting and much, much more. Check website at www.bchighlandgames.com. Early bird tickets online Adults $13; Seniors & Students $8; Children 6 – 12 $3 at the gate admission $15/$10/$5 |
| Jun 23 | Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Recital “145 Years of Canada” — Clarke Foundation Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Adults $12/Seniors & Children $8. Tickets & info 604-462-9935 |
| Jun 23 | Puget Sound Crossroads Dance see www.rscds-seattle.org |
| Jun 25 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by Fort Langley |
| Jun 25 | Stave Falls Scottish Dancers perform at the Kitsilano Showboat |
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
Helensburgh
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying of cancer).
I would have talked less and listened more.
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Honey and Cinnamon
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
Ed Note: more to follow in coming weeks
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Hermitage Castle
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 28, 2012 – that is the last Friday of the month. There will be, however, the annual Ceilidh in the Park on Monday, August 6, 2012 near 2nd Beach in Stanley Park from 7 – 9 p.m. – free of charge!!! AND there is to be a Ceilidh/Scottish Country dance on Friday July 13
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org Coming Events listing for all Dancing in the Park dates etc.
Please help spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. Here is a link where you can watch a short video of a Ceilidh Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvUwZnY9Ms
The format for all of the regular monthly Ceilidh Dances will be the same with the class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. and all dances will be walked and talked through. The price is only – $10 or $8 for students which, for what you get is a super bargain — everyone is welcome. No partner is required and you should wear FLAT, comfy shoes and loose clothing. Children are also welcome but should be prepared to dance with other people as some of the dances require a change of partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
For those who enjoy listening to Scottish music, song, banter etc. try www.andysceilidh.co.uk/ this is a radio programme that you can get sent to you and listen any time you want.
The Branch has opened a Facebook Page at “RSCDS-Vancouver” – check it out there are some good pictures etc. www.facebook.com/rscdsvancouver. There is a link on both our website www.vancouverceilidh.org and the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org
It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and SEPTEMBER is a great time to do it as all the classes will start up again then. You will be made very welcome. Many classes have a policy that the first night is FREE! Plan to come along to try out a class next week. There are classes all around and on different nights so
GIVE IT A GO!
In the meantime plan on coming down to Stanley Park on Monday nights starting June 11 from 7 – 9 p.m. where there are always dances for everyone to join in.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime which is super exercise for body and mind. SCD is, naturally, rooted in Scotland but there are groups in almost every country so you can learn here and then dance with other groups when you vacation or travel. SCD is not to be confused with Highland Dancing which is more solo dancing. SCD is usually done with a partner in groups or sets however you do not need to come with a partner. It is more akin to Square Dancing. It takes a year or two of classes, workshops, etc. to get the basics learnt then you can hone your skills in advanced classes. You start by learning the steps and formations. Dances (of which there are over 13,000) are made up of these formations so a good grounding will give you the ability to learn a new dance fairly quickly. SCD has its HQ in Scotland and is known as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) and there is a Vancouver Branch of the RSCDS under which there are many clubs throughout the Province (there also are Branches in Victoria and Seattle). There are a great many classes and the ones in the Vancouver area are listed below. Come along — check us out — the first night is usually free and thereafter it will average about $6 a night and that’s for a 2 hour class! You will find many friendly people who will be eager to help you and welcome you to their club. You never know you actually might like it!!
Check the list of classes at either at www.vancouverceilidh.org or www.rscdsvancouver.org. Note that the latter website has the latest updates to temporary changes to times and locations
as well there are classes all up and down Vancouver Island, a number of the Gulf Islands, the Cariboo, Okanagan, etc. etc. and there are various groups all over this great Province, Country, World and who knows where else! Check the Branch website for all these details – www.rscdsvancouver.org
Also the Inverary Step Dance class on Wednesdays in the French School, 1555 West 7th Ave., Vancouver- info b_campbell@dccnet.com
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Riddles (answer next week)
Last week’s answer:
A River
This weeks:
I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all, To live and breath on this terrestrial ball. What am I?
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For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73rd & Hudson which is between Oak & Granville), Vancouver, BUT. there is a Ceilidh Night in the Park on Monday, August 1st – see www.vancouverceilidh.org for info – and a specail dance on Friday, July 13. We need everyone to help us get as many new comers (as well as former Ceilidh Dancers) as possible to come and join us. WE Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! What a nice thoughtful gift it could be if you gave your friends admission to the Ceilidh Dance. They don’t need to know it only costs $10 – it is worth so much more in fun, exercise and camaraderie. Use any access to free adverts etc. You can also use things like the Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2HV3OPBgw or the Face-book page
https://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=116203315&k=Z5C5Y4TZPT6G6BD1PKZZTWQQQ6BAW26L34AV&oid=164741310207760 Suggestions to improve our advertising are always welcome. Don’t forget to tell them about the website www.vancouverceilidh.org and get them to “subscribe” to the newsletter.
The cost is still the amazingly low price of $10 or $8 for students and we provide refreshments although we do ask for your donations towards their cost. We always need your support both by coming along and by helping us to advertise these dances by whatever means you use to communicate with your friends be it e-mail, Face-Book, Twitter, Text or even telephone! Most of you have been to at least one Ceilidh Dance so you know how it goes. You don’t need a partner; you don’t need any experience; you should wear FLAT soft soled shoes; we walk, talk, and call every dance and you should come to have fun and have a good evening on exercise and entertainment and maybe even to learn!
There is a FREE class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. with music by Calanais. Remember to bring some extra cash so you can make a donation towards the cost of the refreshments. Without these donations we will have to increase the price of admission again!!
The schedule for the 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
September 28
October 26
November 30
2013
January 4
February 1
February 22
March 29
April 26
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We are still working on improving the strength of the smile muscles as well as the bows and curtsies! Please do your best to assist us in letting as many people know as possible. Use Face-book, e-mail, telephone or even word of mouth and tell everyone you know what a fun night it is. We need to attract students from UBC, SFU and all the other colleges and universities. Somehow we have to get word out to these students. Please do all you can to help us. Come one, come all to the same place (Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver) and the same time (7 p.m. for the class and 8 – 11 p.m. for the dance) and the same amazing price ($10 or $8 for students.)
You should check the website – www.vancouverceilidh.org – from time to time as you can find various pages listing “Ceilidhs and Events;” Classes:” Duncan’s List;” etc. On these pages you can check all the upcoming events, where all the classes are located, times, etc. and some places to find Scottish things or some local trades, etc. I will continue to highlight the more current events in each week’s newsletter but, as stated, the calendar of all events will be available on the website. You should also have a look at the Vancouver Branch website from time to time – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as there is always useful information on it and it is a very good looking site.
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Please check the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org for updates, pictures and news. Dance — it is good for your health.
Horns of Alligan with Beinn Dearg & Beinn Eighe
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible
– George Burns
Keep sending jokes, pictures and info you wish to have included. Don’t forget to look at our web pages at www.vancouverceilidh.org
If you know of anyone who would like to be on the mailing list please send them the web address – www.vancouverceilidh.org and ask them to subscribe. If anyone has good pictures from the Ceilidh Dances please send them to me so I can put them on the web page.
If you have any announcements please send them to me preferably in Word; Times New Roman 12pt format with a layout similar to the one used in this newsletter. I occasionally hear of an event somewhere in our beautiful Province, on the Island or in the Interior, but don’t know all the details. This newsletter reaches out to some 369 subscribers (up another 2!) all over the Province, Country and to many other countries as well, so please send me the details of your event and I will only be too happy to include them. Note- I normally compose the newsletters on Sundays.
Harris cows
Thanks hope to see you at a Highland Games practice, Dancing in the Park, the Highland Games or somewhere nice. Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
