BETWEEN TIPS
"BETWEEN TIPS" is the official bulletin of the
SQUARE & ROUND DANCE FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
Alex Ritchie, Editor, 58 Oakdale Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B3A 2L8
phone (902) 469-1492 email: alexandgaylan@email.msn.com
JUNE    2000
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SCOTIA DANCERS SPRING FLING 2000

     The Scotia Dancers celebrated the new Millenium with their 17th Annual Spring Fling onSaturday 15 April. There had been considerable turmoil during the winter as the Club was unable toreserve their normal hall and were bumped out of the replacement after the first advertising was sent out.Numerous club visits and a new set of flyers seemed to do the trick for most dancers as there was a verybig turnout at the Sackville Heights Junior High School. Most dancers thought the school had the bestfloor and accoustics in Metro.
     The afternoon workshop had 12 squares on the floor learning new movements and combinationsfrom the caller Dave Paulen. Dave & Blanche hail from Margaree on Cape Breton Island as Blanchecarefully pointed out to the Emcee at the opening announcements!
     The famous Scotia Dancer Hip of Beef Dinner was a tasty treat for all the Advance ticket holders.As he has done for so many years, Herm Wills produced a new combination of edibles to delighteveryone. The most common comment heard was: "It was sooo good".
     After dinner, Blanche Paulen put the Round Dancers through a series of easy rounds that gaveRound Dancers good experience and a fun hour of dancing.
     Dancer's Duds & Frills Shop from Moncton and George's Western Wear from Dartmouth had abrisk trade throughout the day, with many dancers eager to update their outfits. Both shops generouslydonated gift certificates as raffle prizes for the attendees.
     The Scotia Dancers were very pleased to have former Club members, Walter & Norma Allen, paya visit to see many old friends from the very earliest days of Square Dancing in Halifax. They begandancing in 1958 and continued to enjoy the activity until their last dance together in 1998.
     There were plenty of Door Prizes handed out so that almost every third couple had something totake home from the dance. The generosity of the Scotia Dancers is becoming legendary!
     The evening dancers enjoyed the skills of two callers, with Pat Alquire joining Dave for thesquare dancing. Blanche provided the easy rounds.
     The traditional Grand March was a special experience for all the new & recently graduatedDancers. Most were wide-eyed upon joining 34 squares of dancers lined up in rows across the floor. Atannouncement time, the Scotia Dancers paid tribute to thededicated supporters who had attended all 17 Spring Flings.
     Special Millenium certificates were given to: Ron & Dot Connell, Don & Jean Killam, Earle &Glenna Kinsman, Harold & Clara Redden, and Alex Ritchie & Bernice Thurber.
     The main evening dance concluded with the Friendship Ring(s) and a blessing by Rev. JimFraser. There was lots of laughter and conversation as everyone then enjoyed the dessert sweets, coffee,& tea provided by the hardworking Scotia Dancer volunteers.
     As dancers left the school there were many promises to return again next year to share in thefellowship and fun of the Annual Scotia Dancers Spring Fling.

THE FEDERATION TRAILER

     The Federation Trailer is a great, low cost way of getting visability for Square Dancing.The audience is captive and willing to watch how much fun you are having.
     The trailer was constructed in 1996, and has been used mainly in the Valley area. It is aflat trailer built on the lines of the floor and wheels of a house trailer, but without the house andfurniture. This makes it easy to haul with an ordinary van or half ton truck. For the actual parade,the sides slide out to make an 11 foot wide floor. It shrinks to 8 foot wide for travel on thehighway. The 120 volt power unit supplied will operate any caller's equipment.
     The trailer has been requested 15 times in past years and used 12 times. It is scheduled tobe used for five parades this summer.
     Interested? For more information contact:
     Harold and Clara Redden at buttons@fox.nstn.ca or 902-538-9513
     Ron and Dot Connell at ronconne@supercity.ns.ca or 902-434-3023.

John Medicraft Retires

     John Medicraft, a member of the Jolly Roger Squares, decided to take up calling in 1971 and calledguest tips to help Ivan Doggett, the Club Caller. Commencing the following year Ivan and John sharedthe calling until Ivan's retirement in 1991. John continued calling for the Jolly Roger Squares untilFebruary 24, 2000.
     During this time period he called for a Shelburne Square Dance Club for ten years; had a Youth Clubin Brooklyn for four years; called for the Sunrise Squares for fifteen years and held Plus Workshops atDayspring, open to all the Clubs in Queens and Lunenburg area.
     John attended a number of Caller Schools at the House of Roth and also was on staff for a number ofyears when the House of Roth held a Labour Day Week-End of Square Dancing and Camping.
     One of the highlights of John's career was when he was asked to be the Maritimes Representative tocall on Parliament Hill during the first Ottawa Convention in 1980.
     John and Marcella took part in many demonstration dances, exchange dances and conventions andwere constantly promoting square dancing.
     We are pleased that John and Marcella plan to continue-dancing regularly now that John has retiredfrom calling.
     Jolly Roger Squares wish to express their gratitude to John for the 29 years of fun and fellowship hehas provided to so many dancers and wish he and Marcella All the Best in the future.
Submitted by Fran Dalziel

Jolly Roger Squares

     In the early 1950's Roger Whynot, a native of Milton, Queens County, Nova Scotia, becameinterested in calling square dancing. He got a group of people together and they practised and danced,both learning at the same time. Through the Nova Scotia Department of Education, an instructor,Maurice Hennigar, came to the area and put on a five day Square Dance Seminar for youth and adults. The group was caller run and danced what was known as the New England Style Square Dancing using25 calls. The group took the name Jolly Roger Dancers.
     When Roger informed his group that the square dance style was changing to Modern WesternSquare Dancing with more calls for him to learn and for them to dance, they decided it was time for achange.
     In 1966 a meeting of sixty-six persons was held and an executive run club was created with RogerWhynot as the caller. It was decided to call the club the Jolly Roger Squares in honour of Roger. Abanner depicting a pirates ship was made. For their main decorations, at dance functions, a life sizecut-out of a pirate and a treasure chest were made from plywood to help create a club atmosphere. TheClub was registered with the Nova Scotia Dance Federation. Throughout the years almost every dancerheld a position on the executive at one time or another.
     In 1969 Roger decided to change jobs and further his education in Music by attending the Universityof Maine. Since that time he has taught square dancing and many types of folk dancing with greatsuccess. Arch Erickson, a caller from Greenwood, and his Taw took over calling for the Club whenRoger moved away. Ivan Doggett, one of the Club dancers, decided to try calling and with help fromArch he kept the Club dancing on alternate weeks when Arch couldn't make it to Milton. In 1971 Archretired from the Air Force and he and Peg moved to the Canadian West. Ivan took over calling for theClub and another dancer, John Medicraft, tried his hand at calling.
     Both Ivan and John attended Callers School at the House of Roth several times to fine tune theircalling skills. Ivan and John called for the Jolly Roger Squares for 20 years and then Ivan decided toretire; however, he still does an occasional guest tip. Since then John has continued calling for ourevening of fun and fellowship. On February 24, 2000 John retired as a Square Dance Caller but he andhis wife, Marcella, are continuing in the activity as dancers.
     The Club has been a very active mainstream club participating in visiting other clubs, demonstrationdances, festivals, conventions and exchange dances. The Club is now faced with low membership asmany of the original dancers are no longer dancing and there are very few new dancers. This Club overthe years has been instrumental in building many great friendships with local people and dancersthroughout the Maritimes.
Submitted by Fran Dalziel

Strathmor Strutters

     The Strathmor Strutters members and new class have again had a busy and enjoyable time since thelast report in Dec. We continue to have great turnouts to our Mainstream on Mondays, Plus onWednesdays, and class on Thursdays with lots of dance Angels to assist. We again managed to acquire anumber of banners this quarter as well as having to retrieve ours a number of times. We had a ValentinesBox Social and a Sadie Hawkins dance and both were enjoyed by all attending. It was fun auctioning offand bidding on the "ladies' beautiful decorated and delicious box lunches. We raised $520.00 for theHeart and Stroke Foundation.
     We danced at least once a month at various Senior homes, from Truro to Middle Musquodoboit, andwere a part of a couple of school projects which included introducing Square Dancing to the children.
     Our Caller Bob and wife Phyllis attended CALLERLAB in Las Vegas, Nevada in April and had aninformative and enjoyable time with Phyllis having tickets to Kenny Rogers Show for Bobs birthday.
     We are starting our summer dancing on June 14, and then we will dance on June 28, July 12 andAug. 2, 2000. All members are looking forward to the summer and the warmer weather.
Submitted by Murray & Jean Berry

History - Pictou Area Clubs

     Square dancing had it's beginning in Pictou County in 1967. Caller Dana & Laura MacLeod werethe first callers for Trenton Twirlers. On their retirement, the call went out to Halifax callers and resultedin John & Fran Essex spending part of the Summer of 1968 training several would be callers. The menwho took up the mike and continued in the activity were Herb Muir, Jack MacArthur, and BrundageMacDonald. The following Winter Halifax area dancers came out to encourage the new club along withvarious Metro Callers who travelled here each week to help the fledgling club.
     Trenton Twirlers flourished and the 1969-70 class numbered 40 couples. Upon graduation most ofthese formed a new club in Stellarton. The "Triple M's " named for the three callers, Muir, MacArthur,and MacDonald. Muir designed their badge. They danced in the United Church Hall. BrundageMacDonald began a round dance class in 1972 and they became known as the "Min-u-ettes".
     As interest grew, MacArthur formed a club in New Glasgow called "The North Nova Swingers" andin Pictou formed "The Hector Bells & Buoys". After a few years the two clubs combined under the onename, "The Hector Bells & Buoys" and danced in Pictou for 23 years. There was much comraderybetween the clubs with BBQ's , Skating parties, baby showers, pot luck suppers and special dances sharedthree ways. Trenton Twirlers danced on Saturday evening and always had visitors from "away". Herband Jack would fill in for each other when work demands interfered with their calling dates. MacArthur,on transfer to Truro, continued to travel twice a week to Pictou for club and class nights. While in Trurohe began "The Hub Trackers"- a plus group.And on invitation from a former "Belles & Buoys" member, Jack was instrumental in graduating theNorthern Squares in 1976 at Labrador City.
     Pictou County dancers were enthusiastic helpers for two National Conventions at Halifax in 1982and 1994. Local clubs also encouraged dancing within the 4H groups, gave demos at festivals, andentertain, then and now, at Seniors County Homes.
     October 1, 1988, a large celebration at New Glasgow marked 20 years of square and round dance inPictou County. John and Fran Essex presented Twenty Year plaques to the three callers, Herb, Jack, andBrundage. Their wives also received individual gifts.
     The Hector Belles and Buoys became a victim of declining membership and closed in 1994. TrentonTwirlers and Triple M's united in 1990 under the name The Highland Squares, with caller Herb Muir. Brundage MacDonald closed the Min-u-ettes that same year because of health problems and lack ofinterest. The Highland Squares held several Dance for Heart dances in the early 90s, a sort of doubledance, part modern western square dancing and part old time country. They also had a dance for theArthritis Society of Nova Scotia during those years. Jack MacArthur was caller for these dances, alongwith various local country bands, mostly to huge crowds. The Highland Region, including Jack's club inAntigonish, hosted the NS Round and Square Dance Festival in 1993, which was held at St. FrancisXavier University. Jack and Herb were presented with plaques to commemorate 25 years of calling. Herb and Kay Muir retired from calling in 1997; Jack and Dolores now call for the Highland Squares atStellarton in the Pictou County Community College each Thursday evening from September to May. During Jack's winter trip to Florida, Murray Workman and Ralph MacDonald, Antigonish, fill in as ablecallers for the Club.
     The 30th Anniversary of Square and Round Dance in Pictou County, as well as MacArthur's asCaller, was celebrated in September 1998 when 200 dancing friends came to mark the occasion andhonour Jack and Dolores for thirty years of dedication to square dancing. Gifts were presented to thepopular couple. Dave Paulen, Margaree, called the dance, with a tip by "the silver Fox" himself in hisvery own excellent style. Long time friend of Pictou dancers, John Essex, was our Emcee, recalling someamusing stories of all three callers. The Highland Squares continue with social activities and charityevents and regular Thursday evening dances.
Submitted by Lola Patterson

Do You Enjoy Meeting People?
Do You Enjoy Square & Round Dancing?
Do You Enjoy a Good Time?

If you do, Why not sign up for the Federation Demo Booth at this year's "Seniors Expo"!
Your Federation is looking for one volunteer couple from each Club in Nova Scotia.
You will enjoy a day of fun - dancing and talking to the public at the
World Trade & Convention Centre in Halifax on
Friday 14 or Saturday 15 of July.
Your admission is covered by wearing Dance attire.
You can participate
any time between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
When not dancing you're free to enjoy the Expo!
Contact Bob & Inge Ruohoniemi at 902-757-3884
or bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca

Square Dancing in Europe in the 60's

The celebration of their 52nd wedding anniversary prompted Roy and Shirley Dobson to reminisce abouttheir early square dance experiences. Having learned to dance while stationed at a NATO military base inEurope, they represent a small but significant segment of our square dancers and wepersuaded them to share their memories with you.

NATO military bases in Europe during the 60'splayed an important role in the history of modern squaredancing. It was at a NATO base, somewhere in Europeduring the 60's, that many of us began dancing.Square dancing provided a recreational and socialactivity that often became a lifetime pleasure. There were square dance clubsat nearly all of the Canadian and American bases and eachmade its contribution to the local community. For thosestationed at #1 Air Division Headquarters in Metz, France during the 60's many unique opportunities were enjoyed bythe dancers.

As Canadians in a foreign country, it was imperative that good civic relations bepursued and positive public relations always at the fore.Thus it was that in Metz, Francein 1964, the Sq'Air Divs hosted the European "Fall Roundup". Callers and dancers fromall over Europe attended. The microphone was shared by a California caller from a USair base and a caller from England.

Another unique square dance adventure in Metz was having a groupof local French folk dancers join the Sq'Air Divs to learn squaredancing. The only part of the "lingo" they recognized was "AllemandeLeft" which they quickly dubbed "German Left". They did not learn tospeak much English, but did learn to square dance and understand itsown language.

A Diehard's badge was earned by onegroup who travelled to five different bases intwo countries on five successive nights.Distances were not great but European roads atthat time were a challenge. However, theopportunity to dance with so many clubs and so many differentcallers added a special dimension to square dancing.

Perhaps the highlight of the square danceactivities in Metz, France was theopportunity to join other national dancegroups to perform at the President's Palace where an affairwas hosted by the Commander of the military division ofMetz-Maselle. Dancers took the stage to entertain the eliteof the French political and military world. Since this affairwas telecast on the national network, these Air Divdancers became TV stars thus promoting square dancing as an important componentof dance folklore.

No doubt dancers from #1 Wing, #2 Wing and #3 Wing during the 60's have many other experiencesto share. Since many of the dancers who danced while stationed in Europe later returned to Canada or theUnited States and joined local square dance clubs or became square dance callers or cuers (John and FranEssex and Ken and Donna Gibson), this recreational activity had a long term effect on Modern SquareDancing and is an important part of our history.

CALLERLAB PROGRAMS
BASIC - MAINSTREAM - PLUS

     Included with the mailing of this issue of Between Tips are the April 2000 versions of Callerlab's Mainstreamand Plus Programs (see program calls). Except for renumbering, no changes have been made since 1997.
     Callers should please note that Cross Trail Thru was moved from Basic to A-1 in 1993.
In 1997 Partner Tag was moved from Plus to A-1 and Remake the Thar was moved from Plus to A-2. Sincethere are now have several years of new graduates who have not been taught these moves, it is no longer fair to thedancers to call any of these three moves at an open Mainstream or Plus dance unless you workshop them first.

Why Programs and Lists?
     CALLERLAB programs define a worldÄwide standard of square dance calls to be taught in square danceclasses or workshops. Program lists, such as this one, list the set of calls that may be called at a dance advertised tobe a specific dance program i.e. Basic, Mainstream, Plus, etc. Dance promoters are encouraged to list the programto be danced on flyers, brochures and other advertisements of open dances. Dancers should refer to the programdesignations to seek out dances that will consist of material with which they are familiar. Program lists are used bycallers in programming an appropriate dance for a specific group of dancers. Including the desired program in thecaller's confirmation agreement will provide programming guidance to the caller as well as protection for thesponsoring organization.
     The program(s) are not intended to segregate dancers into exclusive groups or to indicate that one whochooses to dance at his or her own preferred program is any better, or any worse, than any other dancer. Dancingskill can be achieved at many programs, and the quantity of calls is not necessarily an indication of dancerproficiency. It is hoped that the program lists will be used to aid in a logical teaching progression and thoroughcoverage of basics in classes and to provide an enjoyable modem square dance for dancers of all inclinations. Inaddition, CALLERLAB's intent is that approved styling and timing of square dance movements will be an integralpart of all classes and dance programs. It is also hoped that proper teaching, including timing and styling, willresult in smooth dancing for the greater enjoyment of all.

What Next?
     Responsible leaders, within and outside of CALLERLAB, recommend that dancers dance regularly at theprogram at which they graduate for at least one (1) year before they enter into classes or workshops for anotherprogram. This means that dancers graduating from the Mainstream Program should dance regularly at Mainstreamdances for a year before going into the Plus Program. Graduates from the Plus Program should dance regularly atPlus dances for a year before going into an Advanced Program, etc.
     There should be no pressure put on dancers to move from one program to another once they have graduated.Dancers should be encouraged to take their time, enjoy the fun and fellowship and learn to dance well at thatprogram before moving on to another program.

What About Quarterly Selections?
     Dancers are not required to know the Quarterly Selections in order to attend an advertised Mainstream or Plusdance.
     Quarterly Selections are not part of the Mainstream or Plus Programs. They are provided as optional materialfor those callers and/or clubs that wish to include a workshop in their programs. Callers are reminded thatQuarterly Selections should not be used unless they are walked through or workshopped first.

NOTE TO DANCE PROGRAMMERS AND ORGANIZERS

There is no program called Basic/Mainstream or Mainstream/Plus. No dancer is required to know Mainstreamcalls to attend a Basic open dance, nor is any dancer required to know Plus calls to attend a Mainstream opendance. Please advertise dance program as Basic or Mainstream or Plus, NOT Basic/Mainstream orMainstream/Plus. If you wish to have a mixed level open dance then advertize it as such stating the proportion ofeach level. (i.e. Mainstream with one Plus Tip)

STARDUSTERS CLASS GRADUATION

     On Thursday April 13, 2000 Benny Slade's Stardusters formally welcomed 19 new dancers into the club witha PotLuck Supper, Graduation Ceremony and Dance. Always an impressive sight as most of the eighty-two clubmembers present were dressed in club 'blues' and the Community Centre and School Gym also decorated in clubcolours. Three non-dancer guests also joined the festivities.
     Club Caller, Kerry Fletcher, assisted by Class Couple John and Marion Dagenais performed the lighting ofthe four-candle ceremony, representing the Flames of Friendship, Duty, Democracy and Enjoyment. To the newclub members he reiterated -
"Square dancing is a common bond between us as friends. Wherever you shallvisit, or whomsoever shall visit you. Never let it be said that you were not friendly. Square dance is'Friendship Set To Music'. Greet others, and be courteous to others as you would have them be to you. Insquare dancing, you can develop lifetime friendships."
     Following the candle ceremony the new club members were asked to repeat the Square dance Pledge.President Couple, Harry & Debbie George then presented every new member with their club badge. Kerry thenpresented the new members with their Graduation Certificate. Benny Slade, assisted by Vice-President RussTrimper, gave the new members the Club Constitution and Dancer Handbook. Class Couple John and MarionDagenais presented the dancers with mementos of the year.
     Dangles were presented to the 'Square Angels' by Club President Couple Harry and Debbie George alongwith Caller, Kerry Fletcher. Kerry also thanked the Angels for all their help with the class, this past year.
     Class Couple John and Marion Dagenais took time to thank the class members for their support throughout theyear. John and Marion also announced that new graduates Bev & Ian Stewart along with Lynda Caddick would benext years Class Representatives.
     On behalf of the Graduating Class, Ian and Bev Stewart thanked Caller, Kerry Fletcher and Class Couple,John & Marion Dagenais and presented them with gifts. They then thanked the club for this special evening. Ianalso mentioned that the class had taught Kerry two new calls; 'fall through' and 'go up to the washroom and comeright back.'
     Following the official picture taking, class members formed a receiving line so club members couldpersonally welcome them to the club. An enjoyable evening of dancing ended too quickly with the FriendshipRing. Many dancers lingered, reluctant to let the mood of friendship and enjoyment go!
Submitted by Norman Lee

COBEQUID TWIRLERS

     Our first 2000 dancing started January 11th, from 7 to 10:00 p.m., with five squares. As a result of stormyweather we did not dance again until the 31st.
     On February 8th we had a Valentine Dance. Guests were from the Highland Squares and the StrathmorStrutters. At times we danced six squares. Refreshments were served by the Social Committee.
     Cobequid Twirlers danced at the Johnson Manor on February 11th and Townsview Estates March 1st. Ourcaller, Barry Bendle, called with Ed Giles calling a tip at Townsview.
     Our caller, Barry, had the class well rehearsed in the different calls required for graduation. A meaningfulceremony was held and the club welcomed two couples as club members. Cake and ice cream were served. Anevening of fellowship and square dancing was enjoyed.
     On February 28th eight couples went to the Strathmor Strutters and retrieved our banner and captured theirbanner. This same scenario was repeated on March 9th when eight couples went to Stellarton. Not to be outdone,ten couples from the Highland Squares of Stellarton came over to our dance and did the same to us. Needless tosay we all enjoyed the camaraderie.
     Goofers Night was April 4th with two members livening the evening up with their tips. The Strathmor Struttersjoined us for this fun-filled event. Banner retrieving happened again on the 12th of the month when eight coupleswent to Scotia Dancers. The Maple Fling, on the 8th, in Amherst was attended by four members from our club. Onthe 27th Cobequid Twirlers danced at The Mira. On May 13th we hosted our first Tulip Festival Dance.
     We are looking forward to hosting the annual Lobster Jamboree on June 3rd.
Submitted by Leota & Malco Perry

NEWS FROM SRDFNS EXECUTIVE

50 PLUS EXPO

The "Leisure, Lifestyle & Living" 50 Plus Expo will be held on Friday/Saturday 14/15 July in the World Trade & ConventionCentre, Halifax. This year, each NS club is asked to provide one couple for a half or whole day to sit &/or dance at the booth.Volunteer Dancers in proper dress receive free admission to the event. Enjoy yourself dancing &smp; also view the exciting exhibits.Volunteers should contact Bob & Inge Ruohoniemi 902-757-3884,
or E-mail: bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca

AGM 2000

The Annual General Meeting of the Federation will be held on Saturday 23 September, 2000. Delegates should register at12:30pm at the Bloomfield Centre, Halifax. All Regional & Club Representatives are expected to attend this once-per-yearmeeting, to discuss & decide issues of importance to Square & Round Dancing in the Province. If your Club members areinterested in the future of our activity they should be represented. Individual dancers are welcome to attend & participate in thediscussions.
Make sure your Club Banner is brought to the AGM to take part in the "Most Beautiful Banner" Contest. Voting for 1st, 2nd, &3rd prizes will take place at the meeting.

Performance/Entertainment/Demonstration (PED) Show

Saturday 23 Sep at 6pm at the Bedford Junior High School, Rocky Lake Drive. This show is designed to provide bothinformation & entertainment for Nova Scotia Square & Round Dancers. Display Booths will be set up by various agencies,dance-related organizations, & commercial businesses. Refreshments will be provided during the exhibit period &anp; variousraffles/draws will be held. Live entertainment by Young Dancers, Barbershop Singers, & others will round out the show whichends at 8pm. The public is invited to visit so bring along a friend or relative to the show and the following dance!

ANSSRDT/SRDFNS Dance

Saturday 23 Sep at 8pm at the Bedford Junior High School, Rocky Lake Drive. All available ANSSRDT Callers & Cuers will beperforming. Door prizes, Banner Displays, and Special Awards will be made. Federation contacts are: Bob & Inge Ruohoniemi 902-757-3884, E-mail: bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca.

SOCIETY INFORMATION

The Canadian Square & Round Dance Society is investigating affiliations with suitable organizations like the Heart & StrokeFoundation. The Editor of Canadian Dancers News is prepared to supply two free copies of the Society newsletter - CDN to eachclub in Nova Scotia as soon as clubs forward their addresses.

THE DRESS SURVEY & MORE

The METRO Association and completed a survey of dancers in the Metro Halifax area and SRDFNS surveyed the Province viaweb page regarding the proposed change to Square Dance attire as presented by Callerlab.
A METRO Caller - Dottie Welch, attended the latest Callerlab meeting at which they approved three classes of dress code.

"Traditional" -- skirts with crinolines, prairie skirts, long pants, & long-sleeved shirts as now worn.
"Proper" -- short-sleeved shirts & dress slacks & jeans for men & women.
"Casual" -- undefined but generally understood as tasteful & comfortable.

Callerlab has left the designation of attire to be worn at dances in the hands of organizers of the dance and asked for a policy oftolerance. So, the code designation is back in the hands of the Federations, Associations, Caller/Cuer organizations, & the Clubs.

At the last two Federation Executive meetings, Region Representatives have reported that the vast majority of dancers in theirareas do not support any change in the dress code. The results from the two surveys above indicate that a large majority ofHalifax area dancers & dancers in other parts of NS, are content with the current dress code and do NOT want a change. As well,one in four METRO dancers have indicated they will quit the activity if the dress code is changed!

The Association of NS Square & Round Dance Teachers (ANSSRDT) have passed the following resolution:
     "After reviewing Callerlab's April 2000 position paper on the Dress Code, and ANSSRDT members have agreed toencourage the organizers of Special Dances in Nova Scotia to request that attending dancers wear Traditional Attire."     At an Executive meeting of the SRDFNS on 13 May, the Federation Executive passed a motion to accept the ANSSRDTrecommended dress code.

In view of the overwhelming number of dancers in NS who have expressed their desire to retain Traditional Attire as thedesignated dress code, the SRDFNS Vice-President has served notice of motion to add a dress code article to the Federation By-laws at the next Annual General Meeting, (see AGM 2000) with the following basic message:
     "The Square & Round Dance Federation members encourage dancers belonging to Clubs which are members of the Square& Round Dance Federation of Nova Scotia to wear Traditional Attire at all evening dances. Dress for Workshops and Themedances should be designated by the dance organizers."

LAHAVE RIVER RAMBLERS

     Our square dancing season began on Tuesday Sept 21st, 1999 at the Marc in Dayspring. Sept 21st and Sept 28th weredesignated as fun nights and were open to anyone wishing to join our club. We welcomed two new couples, Ruth Murray andWarren Sarty and Stan and Minnie Sarty.
     There were 29 dances held throughout the season (Sept to May) with one cancellation (Jan 25th ) due to poor weather.
     Our first special dance was a Halloween dance on Oct 26th, 1999 at the Marc. There were lots of costumes and prizesand everyone enjoyed a good time. A fall dance was held at the Michelin Social Club on Nov 20th, 1999. Fiddling Friendsprovided live music. Five different clubs were represented. Lunch and prizes were provided.
     On Nov 15th Max Mosher (past treasurer) represented the club at a ceremony at SSRH. LaHave River Ramblers donated$300.00 toward the Cat Scan Fund at the hospital.
     In December the club held their Christmas Party at the Marc. Donations were brought for the food bank. This year theywere given to Lunenburg. Three clubs were represented.
     Laurie & Elizabeth hosted a New Year's party on Dec 31st, 1999 at the Northfield Recreation Center. Dancing willresume on Jan 11th, 2000. The LaHave River Ramblers and Sunrise Squares hosted a valentine Dance in support of the Heartand Stroke Foundation on Feb 11th, 2000 proceeds amounted to $310.00.
     In view of the fact that Laurie & Elizabeth were leaving on March 14th, graduation was held on that night. Our twocouples graduated Ruth and Warren and Stan & Minnie, Congratulations to all of you.
On March 21st our new caller Ilsley started to call for our dances. Laurie will be coming home from Berwick everyTuesday from March 21st until May 9th to call for us during Laurie and Elizabeth's absence. A warm welcome and thank-youto Laurie and his wife Wilma for helping us out.
     On April 8th, a Friendship Dance was held at the Michelin Social Club. Five different clubs were represented. Prizesand refreshments (pie & ice cream) couples from our clubs attended a retirement dance in honor of John Meticraft on April28th. LaHave River Ramblers closing dance was May 9th at the Marc.
     The annual meeting and pot luck supper was held on May 16th at the Marc.
     Pot luck supper and dance to be held June 10th at Bobby & Margaret-Rose's.
     During the year there were three get well cards sent. Two memorials and two fruit baskets. We were warmly welcomedat four demos put on during the season. These were Mahone Bay (scare crow festival) Oct 2nd, Hillside Pines, Feb 24th,Harbourview Haven (Nov 21st) and Shoreham Village (May 7th). There were four executive meetings held during the year. The club purchased a memorial book and the names of past members and dates have been added.
     Thanks to president Bobby & Margaret - Rose and to our callers Laurie & Elizabeth and Laurie Ilsley for a job welldone. To Paul & Carol for doing such a splendid job organizing the lunches for our dances. To Martin and Mein for lookingafter the finances so capably. Thank-you to everyone for making the year so successful.
Submitted by Bill & Shirley MacLean

CUMBERLAND TWIRLERS

     The Cumberland Twirlers square dance club since January held a number of special activities. I February we had aValentine Dance at Pavilion with Caller, Ken Eagles. In March our annual Ice Cream Social was held with proceeds donatedto Heart & Stroke Foundation which in turn donated prizes. A highlight for us was graduating five couples into the club withtwo wee infants (babies of two of our graduating couples) in attendance.In April we had our annual Maple Fling was well attended with Bruce Savage as Caller. A western Dance was held with theusual western menu and we danced and entertained at Highcrest Nursing Home in Springhill one evening.Our Closing dance for the season was held on May 9, with pot luck supper. Our Summer dance will be on June 6 and we areplanning to dance at the Highland Fling (hospital fund raising annual) on May 13.Our opening will be in September. Happy summer to all.
Submitted by James & Dorothy Trueman

FEDERATION RECOGNITION
LONG SERVICE AWARDS.

The Federation has established an award to recognize 20 years of service by Nova Scotia Callers/Cuers, 20 years of existenceby Square/Round Dance Clubs, & 20 years or more of outstanding contribution by Individual Dancers. On May 20th theRainbow Dancers received a certificate for thirty-five years of Square and Round Dance activity.

FEDERATION PROMOTION

Readers are invited to pass along any information printed in "Between Tips" to other dancers and to also encourage them tosubscribe to this "official bulletin" and "Calendar of Events" of the Square & Round Dance Federation of Nova Scotia.Subscription requests with $15 should be sent to:
Douglas & Audrie Hill, Treasurer SRDFNS
RR 3, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0


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