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Three songs are dedicated to each of the selected styles, performed live musical acts Family Rhythm, Rod McKenzie or the Ossie Newsound Duo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love to see the satisfaction and enjoyment that other people get out of the event, whether they come along alone or in a couple,\u201d Mrs Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always say to people, that\u2019s our reward for running the dance, because we don\u2019t earn a cent.\u201d<\/p>\n
All profits generated are directed to local community groups; the Creswick Lions Club, Creswick Brass Band, and the Mount Blowhard Primary School.<\/p>\n
In the hope of keeping the tradition of old-time dancing alive for decades to come, Mrs Thomas encourages young people to attend and learn the classic styles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve often had grandparents bring their teenage grandkids along, and they have had a really great night.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome anyone, even if you can\u2019t dance. Get up behind somebody, or with someone if they ask you to dance, because every time you try, you get closer to mastering it,\u201d Mrs Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cater for all people. If someone comes along and they\u2019re not experienced, dances like the Parma waltz and Pride of Erin are ones they can easily and confidently pick up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ascot Old-Time Dance is held on the first Saturday of every month, COVID-19 restrictions permitting.<\/p>\n
It costs $10 to get in, with door prizes and raffles run throughout the night, and a 30-minute supper break with tea, coffee and finger food.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MARG Thomas and her husband Ian have always had a passion for dancing. As the organisers of the regular Ascot Old-Time Dance evenings at the community hall, they share their love of traditional routines with socials dancers from Ballan to Ararat. Now they\u2019re inviting more movers in the district to get on the dancefloor. From […]<\/p>\n