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Weekend Program
Friday 7th October
**Bookings may be made for any or all classes/events**
Classes
Saturday morning classes will be offered at intermediate and advanced levels. If you are unsure please see the class selection information on this form or discuss with your local SCD teacher.
The teachers will be Rebekah Johnson (Sydney) and Rachel Goerke (Melbourne). Teachers
Rachel Goerke
I grew up in the regional city of Bendigo in Victoria and danced Scottish Country Dancing as a child and teenager. I returned to Scottish Country Dancing in 2000 in Melbourne.
I love the feeling of flight that can be achieved in quick time, particularly with leading down the middle and up. Although, Pas de Basque would have to be my favourite step with hello-goodbye setting and Poussette amongst my favourite formations. I enjoy the patterns made with various formations and the way they can be linked together differently to become other dances. When I’m not dancing I enjoy exploring this great country of ours with my family and sitting around the campfire in the company of good friends. 
Rebekah Johnson
I am from Sydney and have been dancing Scottish Country Dancing since 2002. I love the patterns in the dances and the way it tests my physical fitness and mental fitness. My favourite dance and formation is probably the Petronella in reel/jig time! A fun fact is that I like to drink whiskey and am a member of a whiskey club. I also enjoy travelling and laughing.
Musicians
The Black Bear Duo
Iain Mckenzie
Iain Mckenzie is a well-established box player on the Scottish music scene in Australia and New Zealand. Born in Bannockburn, Scotland, Iain has been playing the accordian to audiences since an early age and has developed his own exciting and individual style.
Brought up in the tradition of Scottish music and dance gave Iain the opportunity to play both in Scotland and overseas thus widening his experience and repertoire, introducing other traditional influences, with an established founding in Celtic folk and Scottish dance music. Iain has performed internationally in many countries. Iain is also a composer of traditional music and has written a number of traditional dance tunes, some of which feature on CDs recorded by the Black Bear Duo (Iain Mckenzie and Emma Nixon) and other bands. Apart from the classes and socials, Iain has been known to be ‘persuaded’ to join others in the party room to continue the evening afterwards...............!! Iain’s other interests include a passion for travel and the discovery of other cultures. He has backpacked around Europe, South America, and parts of Asia and spent several years living in both Spain and Greece. Emma Nixon
Emma is performer, teacher, composer and researcher. She combines her passion for music, culture, language and learning in each of these fields.
Winner of three Golden Fiddle Awards in both teaching and playing categories, Emma Nixon is a star of the Australian fiddle scene. Her powerful and passionate performances of traditional and contemporary Scottish music enchanting audiences across Australia and around the world. Her exquisite and inspiring playing brings together both the classical and traditional disciplines, drawing on the strengths of both, while remaining true to the soul of the music itself. Emma performs and collaborates with many musicians and bands. She composes and arranges music for professional and student musicians and has developed a music publishing business, Ceilidh House Publishing. It features Emma’s original works and arrangements for school and community ensembles. |
Accommodation
Accommodation is offered at Nightcap at The Ranch Hotel, corner of Epping & Herring roads, North Ryde. Most rooms will be shared (2 or 3 people per room) with a bathroom in each room. Single occupancy is limited.
Each room has a small fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, air conditioning and limited clothes storage space. Free wifi is available. Free parking is available on site. Local dancers have the option to commute and may wish to only attend part of the weekend. The Ranch, Epping Rd, North Ryde
Meals
Breakfasts are included in your accommodation.
Other meals will be at your own expense. There is a restaurant, bar and bottle shop at The Ranch (adjoining the Nightcap Hotel). The Macquarie shopping centre is located 1km away. There are local shops and fast food outlets near the class venues. Travel
The nearest station is the Metro stop at the Macquarie centre/university 1km from the hotel. This can be accessed from a main trainline at Epping or Chatswood.
Please contact us if you need assistance e.g. to be met at a local station. Which class do I choose?
Intermediate level - dancing for less than 2 or 3 years and not confident with advanced formations.
Advanced level - dancing for several years and can cope with a technically advanced class. |
