Galop for Gold! Dances of the Gold Rush.

A special event for the Australian Heritage Festival.

Life on the goldfields was not all work and no play – when the miners weren’t busy unearthing gold nuggets, and the sun dipped below the horizon, they eagerly seized the chance to unwind.

Given that there were few of the recreations available today – no radio, television, internet, cinema, or organised sports – music and dance were amongst the most popular forms of leisure.

Dancing was a treat that even the poorest digger could enjoy. Every gold rush town, from Ballarat to Gympie, had at least one dance hall. Dancing saloons were often attached to public houses, enabling customers to enjoy refreshments whilst listening to the resident band. IN addition to the miners’ wives, sisters and daughters on the dance floor, some venues provided women as dance partners. It was also common for men to dance together in a “buck set”.

The Quadrilles were the most popular group dances of the day – The Lancers, First Set, and Caledonians. Also simple country dances, akin to bush dances, held a place as they were often danced with well-known tunes from ‘home”. Couple dances were the latest fashion, and many were danced with great vigour: mazurkas, polkas, galops and schottisches. And of course, the waltz. Nearly all of these dances are now buried in the archives. Celebrate with us in May and help unearth part of Australia’s cultural heritage.

Join us to experience some of these lively dances! Everything will be taught. Live music by Phillip’s Dog.

Come by yourself, with a friend, partner or group. We’ll be sure to make you welcome!

Stay for tea/coffee & cake after the dance.

We’re part of Moreton Bay Council’s Healthy & Active