Ceilidh Dance newsletter – next Ceilidh Dance Monday, August 6 in Stanley Park
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don’t appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
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What, was there really no dance this weekend? Yes there was – down in Bellingham but I was just too pooped after working all day in the garden!!
There is a Ceilidh night in the Park again – August 1 – see below for more details of Dancing in the Park.
Classes are pretty well over for the season although there is still the Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance to come plus there are workshops and dances elsewhere.
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February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
Ring of Brodgar
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.
The Celtic Treasure Chest have a sale of all their 2011 inventory in their three stores. Check our webpage for contact info – www.vancouverceilidh.org You can get refunded for 1 hour of parking at the White Rock store with minimum purchase.
A new online Scottish/Irish store has been listed on the Ceilidh Dance webpage – check it out.
A much quieter week with the only Scottish dancing being the West End class on Tuesday night. This class will continue for two more weeks as we are working on the dances for the Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance. There are over a dozen going to this dance from our class which is really great. Everyone is welcome to come along. The class starts at 7:30 and we finish just before 10. West End Community Centre on Denman Street.
SCOTTISH INVENTORS:
George Bennie (1892-1957)
Discovered Monorail
The Glasgow man died, in obscurity, after inventing rail-plane, a high-level monorail system. The prototype, at Milngavie, was sold for scrap in 1956. Today, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Moscow and Seattle all have monorails.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS – see www.vancouverceilidh.org for a complete list.
| May 14 | Burnaby Spring session 7:30 — 9:30 p.m. Edmonds Community Centre, 7282 Kingsway, Burnaby – $5 drop in. This week featuring teacher Katherine Shearman. |
| May 17 | The Douglas College Study Abroad in Scotland Program presents two public lectures: Third Degree Burns: Cultural Memory and Scotland’s National Poet from 10:00-11:30 in Room 1614, New Westminster Campus Dr. Leith Davis, Professor of English and Director of the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies speaks about Robert Burns, his work and his importance to the Scottish people. |
| May 27 | Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance at 2 p.m. in Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley with music by Lisa Scott and Ryan McKasson — Tickets $15 |
| 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 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 |
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
River Almond
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying of cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
A husband and wife are on the ninth green when the wife collapses from a heart attack.
“Help me dear” she groans to her husband.
The husband calls 911 on his cell phone, talks for a few minutes, picks up his putter and lines up his putt.
His wife lifts her head and says to him “I’m dying here and you’re putting?”
“Don’t worry dear” says the husband “they found a doctor on the second hole and he’s coming to help you.”
“Well how long will it take him to get here” she asks feebly.
“No time at all” says her husband. “Everybody’s already agreed to let him play through”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Road to the Isles
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!!!
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 NOW is a great time to do it. 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!
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
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Riddles (answer next week)
Last week’s answer:
Man (or woman). Crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult and uses two legs and a cane when they’re old.
This week’s
I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. 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
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. 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.
Dalnagleton
A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery.
A black hearse was followed by a second black hearse about 50 feet behind the first one. Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash.
Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file. The man couldn’t stand the curiosity. He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, “I am so sorry for your loss, and this may be a bad time to disturb you, but I’ve never seen a funeral like this.
“Whose funeral is it?”
“My wife’s.”
”What happened to her?”
The man replied, “My dog attacked and killed her.”
He inquired further, “But who is in the second hearse?”
The man answered, “My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her..”
A very poignant and touching moment, of brotherhood and silence, passed between the two men.
“Can I borrow the dog?”
The man replied, “Get in line.”
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 367 subscribers (up another 1!) 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.
Rothesay
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 you never know you just might …..!
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
