2010 Dance Information
Latest Update
It has come to our attention that our data-base, which dealt with 949 applications, has chewed up an application for the Colonial Ball mentioned in the dance update below. Computer says NO, indeed….We are now looking to see how we can resolve this so everyone hold tight while we try and find a solution.
The National Folk Festival prides itself on having the biggest and best festival dance program in Australia.We plan to repeat that this year, but there will be some changes because of circumstances beyond our control. Do not adjust your computer screen.
The main change is that the Coorong will no longer be used as a dance venue. (I know some of you will say “Hooray”, because of the traditionally poor acoustics and barn-like atmosphere)
As most people are aware, the festival does not own the site, but rents it for two weeks each year. The dance floor in the Coorong is now in such a state of disrepair that it is too dangerous to use. The festival cannot take the risk of putting dancers on a floor we know to be dangerous.
So a solution was needed. The festival does not have the funds to purchase a new dance floor at this stage, and there are no dance floors available to hire that would stand up to the intensive use that is required at the National. Dance floors that are available are designed for use at weddings, etc, not a solid session of Clare Battering, or Appalachian Clogging or an attack by roving bands of feral Morris Dancers. These floors fall apart in no time and they can only be repaired by staff from the hiring company, who just aren’t available for love nor money over the Easter weekend.
The Festival staff looked at other off-site alternatives in which to hold the traditional festival balls, and this was narrowed down to using the Albert Hall at the end of Commonwealth avenue bridge. However, trust our luck, this venue is undergoing alterations and is unavailable this Easter.
So, the decision for this year is as follows, remembering that we are looking at longer term solutions
The dance floor in the Mallee will be extended to accommodate the evening dances.
The Oasis is being enlarged to be the same size as the Piazza. This will have a stage and PA for bands.
The Piazza will stay as it is.
The Dance Program
Each year there are not enough evenings to run all the dances requested, and we try to give everyone a fair go. Because there were no applications for a Colonial Ball this year, and only one application from a Colonial Dance display group, we have decided to make use of the wonderful talents of Patt Plunkett from the USA. Patt is a wonderful caller and is sure to have everyone whirling round the floor.
