Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society (ATBDS) at Prospect Town Hall 2017

The October 2016 Mitcham dance: band Pining for the Fjords

SAcommunity lists 179 organisations involved in dancing. Dance improves physical and mental health, boosts creativity, mood and is a great social activity assisting you to meet other people. Why not try dancing today? 

Like to dance but don’t have a partner? Perhaps the Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society (ATBDS) is for you? Find out more from the group.

The Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society (ATBDS) was formed in 1986 following the success of a masquerade ball organised by the Prospect Council as part of South Australia’s Jubilee 150 celebrations. We have over 100 members and the dances we do span four centuries.

Our classes are open to people of all ages. Come with a friend or on your own – you will find a warm welcome and the first night is free! All dances are walked through and the program includes Australian Bush, English, Irish, Scottish, American Contra and more. It is social dancing, easy to learn and lots of fun. You’ll be up and dancing on your first night.

Dance formations include circles, square sets and longways sets of several couples stretching in lines down the hall. In some dances you’ll change partners or dance with your neighbours or other members of your set.

Classes are on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesday of each month from mid-January to mid-December at the Prospect Town Hall, 128 Prospect Rd, Prospect, 7.30 – 9.30pm. In addition, we run special dances and have an annual camp as well as various social activities. Visit our website for membership details and a calendar of events. Our quarterly folk dances at the Mitcham Village Institute are also popular. Our dances are also publicised on the Folk Music and Dance SA website.

Both the special and Mitcham dances usually feature live music. The next special dance is our annual ball on Saturday 29 July in the Prospect Town Hall and many members dress up for the occasion. The musicians will be local family band Tamarisque, familiar to many South Australians for their beautiful music amidst the flower displays at the Royal Show and playing in High Street, Strathalbyn, during the annual Antique Fair. The Tuesday night classes leading up to the ball will give you a chance to learn the ball dances. For further details phone Maureen (8261 8225) or Merilyn (0409 670 205).

Contact the Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society (ATBDS) for details.