Bush dance continues after 25 years
A bush dance started by four Peninsula residents and three others will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its dance on Saturday, February 11.
The Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association will hold a special Birthday Dance at 7:30pm at the East Gosford Progress Hall with live music from Ryebuck Bush Band, who played for the first dance 25 years ago.
Founding and current association secretary Phegans Bay resident Ms Robyn Northwood formed the inaugural committee with Peninsula residents Ms Jenny Burtt, Ms Julie Shannon and Mr Mark Snell and, from elsewhere on the Central Coast, Mr Ian Crook, Mr Malcolm Kearns and Ms Robyn Cameron.
Ms Northwood said it was just coincidental that four of the committee, who had come together through friends, lived on the Peninsula.
The group adopted the objective "to provide a bush dance on the Central Coast" and set about planning how best to accomplish it, she said.
"Whoever would have thought the dance would still be functioning 25 years down the track?"
Ms Northwood said some original members were still active and the Ryebuck Bush Band had played several times each year throughout that time.
"Volunteers have always played a large part in the ongoing success of the bush dance, not the least of these being the skilled dance teachers and callers who have supported the association regularly since its inception."
Ms Northwood said she expected some may be persuaded to call a favourite dance on the night.
She said the original committee had also been invited to attend.
"Reminiscences are expected to abound and old friendships rekindled," she said.
However, beginners were also welcome to attend.
"If you haven't tried bush-dancing, come along and give it a whirl as we gear up for the next 25 years.
"Bush dancing is easy and fun.
"All dances are taught, walked through and called as they are danced."
The dance will be held 7.30pm to 11pm at the East Gosford Progress Hall, on the corner of Wells St and Henry Parry Dr.
Admission cost is $20.
Further information is available on the association's website at www.ccbdma.org or by phoning Robyn on 0419 446 485 or Mike on 0428 223 033.
SOURCE:
Media release, 19 Jan 2023
Robyn Northwood, CCBDMA