When I was going through my teens, a dance was part of our regular social activities. Most of the time, quite informal with bushdances and some square dances. Then there was our annual dinner dance; all formal, ballroom. You had to be at least 16 years of age to attend, and most often girls were making their own dresses for the occasion. So much fun!
Well, we decided that our young'uns need to learn some of these social skills and how to have some of this wholesome fun too.
Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera along, so I can't show you any pics, but I can lead you to some of the resources we used.
Some may remember Mike Jackson for his popular folk music, although he's not as well known as the Wiggles. He has put out a series of cds to instruct on traditional bushdances called ... Bush Dance! We had the pleasure of meeting him once and he is just such a delightful gentleman with a passion for his music and for children to enjoy it; and no, I don't think you're ever too young to glean something from him. :)
Another source of music was from The Bushwackers, primarily this cd set. We also have in our possession 2 cds put out by The Wayfarers (pictured below), although I couldn't find a source for these cds anywhere.
It's seems such a shame that this sort of music isn't as readily available as I once remember it being. Hopefully they're still around somewhere because children thoroughly enjoy them, and they are fabulously fun songs to sing when together for a sing-along .. or is it just a dying art?
Adding on Thursday 6th August: a friend has posted a thread about folk music on the Rockpool Forum. Please go here to read.
7 comments:
It sounds like you had such fun. I've never been to a bushdance. :P
Blessings,
Jillian
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Our home schooling group has had a couple of bush dances over the years and were always great fun.
Oh Bush Dances are the best fun! I can't dance. I have absolutely no sense of rhythm but I still loved these. Especially if they square danced because the caller takes all the guess work out of it & even I can manage standard 4/4 time. How wonderful for your children! ☺
Hey, your word verification for this says: hicki! lol
Hey..do you use these songs as folksongs? Just asking as I am yet to introduce folksongs to my daily schedule! WOuld love your feedback! x
Hi Sarah,
I have some very old songbooks we're using for learning Australian folk songs, one being an old Mike and Michelle Jackson song book.
Mike has a few available on his site:
http://www.mikejackson.com.au/oz_songs.php
and
http://www.mikejackson.com.au/campfire.php
probably being close to what you're after.
Keep your eye out in op-shops too, especially if schools donate any unwanted books as there are usually some treasures there.
I hope that helps answer your question.
Sarah, just following up on your question re: folkmusic, a friend has posted a thread on the Rockpool Forum. You can read it on this link if you're interested:
http://www.rockpoolhomeschool.org/index.php/component/kunena/?func=view&catid=23&id=26054#26104
Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it!
xxx
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