Page 41 - RSCDS Toronto Golden Jubilee Book

People, Places and Parties
Tartan Ball, 1989: Hon. Pauline McGibbon with Sandy Robertson
Despite the weather, the evening was
a resounding success, with one of
the highest attendance counts. As the crowds made their way out to the park- ing lot, they found their cars covered
in a layer of ice. One car had slid side- ways against Bobby Brown’s van. With a little elbow grease and ingenuity, we managed to separate the vehicles with- out any noticeable damage.
. . . Andrew Collins
West Toronto Ball
The 2003 West Toronto Ball was my first formal ball. What glorious anticipa- tion, and what fearful anxiety afflicted my friend Anne Thorne and me as we entered Rameses Temple. We marvelled at the audacity of our enterprise (we were, after all, beginners). The room slowly came alive -- ladies arriving in ball gowns in a rustling sea of colour, men in kilts, all faces beaming.
We were invited to fortify ourselves with Marie and Forbes Duncan and their friend Jane Pratt, a lady of
almost ninety years. Jane had visited Woodglen one evening and I danced with her; she was good. I guessed her age to be seventy. During "pub" time
at the Bakers’, I had a good blether with Jane. My first ball was heavy on my mind. She said, "I’m going". When
I complained Bonnie Stronshiray was impossibly complicated, she said, "Och, no. Laddie, you’ll just have to dance Bonnie Stronshiray with me!" Then added, "But you'll have to identify your- self, because I can’t see so well."
Pleasant mingling over, pipers struck
up a march and led us to our table. Steve Coombs (new High Heid'gion of the dance society) bade the company welcome. We toasted The Queen. Then a young lady named Lisa said a lovely grace invoking the Lord's blessing upon the gathering – by God, I needed that!
Dinner conversation was lively, the meal delicious but, in truth, my but- terflies were not hungry! We retired to the lounge while the grand ballroom was prepared. Then two-by-two, we marched in to the pipers' wail. This, the Grand Parade, was like a dance forma- tion itself. Under a ceiling sparkling with fairy lights, we marched in twos. Marshalls divided us alternately left and right, to circuit the room. We met and joined hands to march 4 across, then
8 across, until seamlessly, we formed 4 long lines of dancers. "O Canada" was sung. Jubilee Jig, was briefed, and Bobby Brown gave us a chord. Gentlemen bow; ladies curtsy; and suddenly . . I as 1st man cast, set to 3rd lady. . .
Mike Mandel and Heather Peacock at their 1st Ball
Anne and I did okay on the first dance, then it was every dancer for him/her- self! I tried to choose strong partners, but everyone was forgiving and helpful. Anne gathered kudos for her prow-
ess, her gold stars richly deserved. Sometimes my brain seized, but, gratify- ingly, I was occasionally able to correct my partner. Reel of the Royal Scots with cheerful Anne Munn was fast, furious fun! Anne M. kept wanting to pass left shoulder instead of right when flying from 1st to 2nd corner - she never stopped laughing. On the furious "circle 6-hands round", she laughed as her feet barely touched ground - she had the support of her partners but I think
she was held aloft by pure exuberant joy. It was so much fun! As soon as the dance finished we did it all again – faster!
The highlight, of course, was Bonnie Stronshiray. I found Jane Pratt and led her to the floor, seeking my customary middle position. She was not having that! She pulled me swiftly to the top
of the room where we joined a set with Keith, Anne, Pascal and others unknown to me but all very good. Jane danced perfectly, and gently, subtly, guided me through. It was an honour and inspiration to share that with gra- cious lady, Jane Pratt.
What a night! And little did I know then that three years later, Jane would play a role in my courtship of my future wife, and that Anne, my first Ball com- panion, would sing at my wedding. But that’s another story.
. . . Rob Lockhart
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