2020 is the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s arrival in Australia.  His explorations lead to the British settlement  at Botany Bay and Sydney Cove in 1788.  This collection of dances and their tunes comes from the early years of settlement.

We are pleased to announce that our book and accompanying CD are now available!

Quick Navigation:

About the book
About the CD
Dances included
Ordering  (Australia, USA, UK, Other Countries)

About the book

19 dances with music, dance instructions and historical notes.

The book contains instructions for each of the 19 dances set to these tunes as well as sheet music and a brief history of each. All have some association with James Cook and other explorers in the Pacific or with the history of the Australian Colony. The material is based upon original research carried out by dance historian Dr. Heather Blasdale Clarke.

A  delight to peruse… the highest quality… fantastic music … a valuable addition for any collection… the result is excellent.  (Pat, Sydney)

Congratulations on a terrific accomplishment! (Roger, Canberra)

Wonderful to have resources that link history to Music and Dance. Older students are really interested in learning about how Music and Dance links to the history they are learning in their own classrooms. (Veronica, WA)

About the CD

Captain Cook’s Country Dances : Dances associated with voyages to the Pacific in the 18th Century and with life in the early years of the Australian colony. Dr Heather Blasdale Clarke, Cedar Creek, Samford, QLD, 2020.

The CD is recorded by collaboration between Phillip’s Dog (Isabel Clarke, Roland Clarke; QLD) and The Whoots (Shira Kammen, Jim Oakden, Charlie Hancock; California). Shira and Jim toured Australia as part of Roguery in 2019 and appeared at the National Folk Festival.

All tracks are suitable for use at any social dance event, though many people will want to buy the CD simply for the pleasure of listening to these delightful tunes.

Dances included:

• Boscawen’s Frolick
• Botany Bay
• Captain Brisbane’s Frolic
• Captain Cook’s Country Dance
• Dampier
• Dance in the Forty Thieves
• Irish Trot
• Melbourne Waltz
• Mile End Assembly
• Nancy Dawson
• Omai
• Phillip’s Dog
• Port Jackson
• Salamanca Castanets
• Silly Old Man
• South Seas
• The Recruiting Officer
• Transit of Venus
• Trip to Ottahite

Ordering

Australia

Book and CD:              $55 + Postage      ($4)
Book only:                    $30 + Postage     ($4)
CD only:                       $30 + Postage      ($3)

Tracking within Australia is available for an additional $3.50.

Buy Online Pay with Paypal Direct Bank Transfer

United States

Currently the cheaper regular postal services are not offered by Australia Post because of coronavirus.    We have an arrangement for delivery at a much better price with the help of a US resident.  Please contact us for details: phillipsdog1788 (at) gmail (dot) com

Alternatively, you may make your purchase directly through our online store.

United Kingdom

Currently the cheaper regular postal services are not offered by Australia Post because of coronavirus.  We are in the process of establishing an arrangement with Folk Sales, with the objective of reducing these shipping costs.  At present Folk Sales is collecting expressions of interest; please contact them directly and we hope that supplies can be made available in the United Kingdom before long.

Contact Folk Sales.  Email: janddgrainger (at) folksales (dot) com

In the meanwhile, you can order from us directly at our online store.

Other Countries

Postage can be arranged elsewhere in the world if you send us an email at phillipsdog1788 (at) gmail.com.