Author Archives: Heather

Alice in Wonderland

“Will you, won’t you, will you, won’t you, won’t you join the dance? “ “The Lobster Quadrille”, the Mock Turtle’s song in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Come and experience a night of folk dances inspired by the classic tale “Alice … Continue reading

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Jane Austen Ball 2024

“What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Step back in time and … Continue reading

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Jane Austen Dance for the Australian Heritage Festival

Presented by Samford Community Folk Dancers with awesome live music by Phillip’s Dog. The theme for the 2024 Australian Heritage Festival is Connections: celebrating the rich and diverse stories of our nation, strengthening cultural and historical ties and encouraging the … Continue reading

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National Folklore Conference 2024

National Folklore Conference Join Dr Heather Clarke at the National Folklore Conference for a presentation on the success of the national tour of the Dancing in Fetters exhibition. When: Thursday 28th MarchTime: 1:30 – 4:30pmWhere: Epic, Canberra For more information … Continue reading

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An overview of the music of the 3/8 Waltz

Background and history In 1796, the Waltz music began to be used for country dances in the British Isles. Our collection* of music and dance manuscripts have nothing specifically called a waltz before this time before a sudden flurry of … Continue reading

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Curator’s talk

Join Curator’s Heather Clarke and Eleanor Lambert as they walk you through our new exhibition Dancing in Fetters: The Culture of Convict Dance. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia funding. Exhibition partners include Abbey … Continue reading

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The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball – Australian connections

The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball The Waterloo Ball in Australia Connections Lachlan Macquarie Duke of Wellington Lady Mary Lennox & Sir Charles Fitzroy Georgiana McCrae Alexander Laing Gordon Highlanders The sprightly dances: The Waterloo The White Cockade La Georgina Copenhagen … Continue reading

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Convict Culture Week Resources

Programme Updated 3:00pm 18th May 2023 Norfolk Island Convict Tune Book Norfolk Island – Tasmanian Tune Session Norfolk Island Convict Song Book A selection of songs from the convict concert of 25 May 1840. Basic song melodies A select preview … Continue reading

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Jane Austen Ball 2023

When: Saturday 7 October, Supper at 6:00pm, Dancing 7:00pm – 10:30pmWhere: Dayboro Community Hall, 6 Bradley Street, Dayboro, QLDCost: $70 Tickets for this year’s ball are sold out! Register for the 2024 Ball by email: contact@historicaldance.au or subscribe to our … Continue reading

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Jane Austen Ball – 2023 National Folk Festival

Stepping into the light, English Country Dancing emerges in all its glory as a living tradition with dances from Playford to the Present. Wear your finest regency outfit, Bridgerton best, or anything you fancy and celebrate this latest chapter in … Continue reading

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