Branch: History

History of New Zealand Branch

Formation

The New Zealand Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in 1957.
The Society became a Branch of the RSCDS in 1968.
The RSCDS NZ Branch became an Incorporated Society on 1 August 2000.

Founder members

L to R: Phyllis Gale, Dan Sharpe, Jack Seton, Mary Ronnie, Edna Smith, Len Smith,
Mima Clanachan, Colin Laing, Margaret Laidlaw, Jim McKeown.
Celebration of RSCDS 50th Anniversary – Auckland 1973.

Awards

A number of awards can be awarded to dancers or musicians to recognise outstanding contributions to Scottish Country Dancing in New Zealand and all recipients are recorded on the Honours Board.
RSCDS Scroll of Honour
Awarded by the RSCDS following acceptance of a nomination submitted by the Branch to recognise outstanding service to Scottish country dancing in New Zealand and overseas.
Branch Award
Awarded by the RSCDS on the recommendation of the Branch to recognise outstanding service to Scottish country dancing in New Zealand.
New Zealand Branch Life Member
Awarded by the New Zealand Branch to recognise outstanding Service to Scottish country dancing.

Magazine

The “New Zealand Scottish Country Dancer was first published” in 1954 by the Wellington/Hawkes Bay Association, by the New Zealand Scottish Country Dance Society after its formation in 1957 then by subsequent organisations.

Memorial Book

The Memorial Book was given to the New Zealand Branch by Gary Morris in memory of his parents.
The book records the contribution to Scottish country dancing in New Zealand of dancers who have passed away.

Summer School

The first Summer School held in New Zealand was run by the Wellington/Hawkes Bay Association in Napier Dec1954/January1955. Schools have been held every year since then and currently attract around 200 dancers. Over the years they have attracted increasing numbers of overseas dancers – many from Australia but also some from Canada, UK, USA, Japan, Korea and elsewhere. Classes are run for all levels of dancer as well as classes for prospective teachers and for musicians. While most teachers and musicians are from New Zealand, the schools also engage teachers and musicians from overseas to broaden the experience of NZ dancers and musicians.

More Information

The Book “Sociable Carefree Delightful – A history of Scottish country dancing in New Zealand” by Margaret D Laidlaw and Margaret M Hutchison assisted by Marjorie M Crawford, published in 1995 by the New Zealand Branch provides much information about Scottish country dancing in New Zealand up to the early nineteen nineties.

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