Page 21 - RSCDS Toronto Golden Jubilee Book

Social Groups
tually became an adult and teenage group. Now it has become a Social group made up of beginners and more experienced dancers.
Later I was asked if I would consider having a morning class for those not wanting to come out in the evenings and in 1984 the Tuesday morning class began. This has become a real favou- rite, as before any dancing begins, coffee, goodies, and conversation
take place. Over the years the Tayside Dancers have entertained at seniors’ residences, Burns Suppers, shopping malls, churches, and Harbourfront’s Celtic Ceilidh. They have also partici- pated in the 512some, Tribute to the Veterans Sunset Tattoo, and the Toronto International Festival Tattoo at the SkyDome. Scottish Country Dancing is
a wonderful way to meet new people, make friends, exercise, and have fun. No wonder we say "Happiness is Scottish Country Dancing."
. . . May Macfarlane
The Finlay Dancers The Finlay Dancers started in the late 1970s as an extension of the Weston Children’s Group. It was established by Georgina Finlay for young dancers who were no longer eligible to participate
in Children’s festivals. Membership grew to include young dancers from the Greater Toronto area. Georgina welcomed all young dancers as well
as several novices, typically friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, or spouses. They were quickly enlisted as active members. All that was needed was an enthusiasm to dance and enjoy a good time.
Georgina’s excellent tutelage and the support provided by the members of the group ensured that novice mem- bers learned dances and the fine points of technique quickly. It was not unusual for a novice to be asked to participate in a demonstration within a month after joining! With many young danc- ers of both genders present, it was not hard to sustain this interest.
The group met on Sunday evenings at Weston Presbyterian Church. Additional practices were often held at St. Phillip’s Church. Many practices finished with an evening at Georgina’s house on Hillgarden Road to enjoy the generous hospitality offered by Georgina and Tom.
Under Georgina's direction, the Sunday practices were creative evenings, learning technique, and interpreting
and adapting dances to make the most of each performance. While the group strove to achieve a high stan- dard, performances were not without memorable moments: dancing on in reverent silence when music ceased
in the middle of a dance or wardrobe malfunctions when the hoops of crino- lines disengaged. There was no reason to panic. Such challenges were quickly overcome through a combination of creativity, professionalism and good humour.
In addition to many civic and communi- ty service functions, the Finlay Dancers performed at a broad cross section of events in Toronto as well as several outside of the Toronto area. Some of the highlights are: Caravan, Carrasauga, Canada’s Wonderland, Moosonee and Cochrane (Toronto Folk Arts Council), Epcot Centre, (Florida), CHCH, CTV, and CITY Television ("The Campbells" and "Little Men"), Movies (Divided Loyalties and Prince Charming), The Opening of the SkyDome, Ontario Place, Empire Sandy Tall Ship (Scottish Studies Foundation)
Georgina Finlay
Many performances consisted of a single set, with extra members brought along to rotate into the various dances. At its peak, the group was able to field as many as four sets for gala perfor- mances such as Epcot in 1989, 1992, 1994, 1999 and 2001 and Canada’s Wonderland.
The group’s repertoire included a broad cross-section of strathspeys,
jigs, and reels: Ian Powrie’s Farewell
to Auchterarder, The Bonnie Lass of
Bon Accord, The Blooms of Bon Accord, MacDonald of Sleat, Mairi’s Wedding, and Nova Scotia.
This is my thirty-sixth year with St. Clement’s Church, and although I am still connected we are just delighted that our traditions and standards are to continue in the very capable hands of Teresa and Rob Lockhart.
. . . Grace Harris
Tayside
After receiving my RSCDS preliminary teaching certificate in March 1983, I immediately wished to pass on the joys of Scottish Country dancing to others and formed the Tayside Scottish Country Dance Group in East York. I am happy to say that many of the first people who turned up to the first class are still members of the Tayside Group, and now my friends. I received my full teaching certificate in 1985. Classes were originally held at Selwyn Public School and later moved to Westview Presbyterian Church, where we still meet on Tuesdays. The Tayside SCD Group have always welcomed begin- ners, and I am happy to say that the members are always more than willing to help and encourage new dancers.
May Macfarlane & Ron Bell
St Clement's - Teachers, Grace Harris & Teresa Lockhart
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