Bush Dance

bush dancers
Australian Bush Dance has its roots in the very early settlement of the colony.  Initially it was influenced by the styles and customs of the early settlers, but evolved to be an amalgam of the early colonial style and dances from Europe and America, as the miners and settlers came to Australia.  It became the form of social dancing that was popular in both the country and the city, but only got its name during the folk revival in the 1950’s – you have quite likely done some of this at primary school.  Contemporary dances, more recently composed in the traditional style, are also featured at bush dances.

Monday Evening Bush Dancing

These Bush Dancing Evenings provide an opportunity for dancers (young, from about 10 up, and old) to learn and practice bush dancing, while enjoying a lively evening of fun and varied dances. You don’t need any dance experience as we teach, then call the dances. All to live, traditional music by the Bush Capital Band.

The band also provides the opportunity for musicians to join in (no entry charge for musicians) and learn traditional bush dance music (click here for more info), and for callers to practice their teaching and calling.

Dance Etiquette – If you decide to come to a bush dance evening or event please read this.

When:    2025: Every Monday from and including 3 March, except for Public Holidays in the ACT, to the end of November

Time: 6.15pm to 7.45pm, doors open from 6.00pm.

Where: North Canberra Baptist Church Hall, 17 Condamine Street, Turner     Location map
NOTE:  PLEASE PARK IN THE CAR PARK TO THE LEFT OF THE CHURCH – this car park entry is almost opposite the intersection with Hartley Street. From Northbourne Ave, use the driveway before the Church, from the other direction, the driveway after the Hall). Or park opposite the Hall in Condamine St, or round the corner in Hartley St.

Cost:  $7 ($5 MFS Members and Groups).   Full-time students are offered half price entry to all bush dancing events, just show your student card. Under 18s are free. Payment by cash or tap and pay using your Credit or Debit Card.

Friendly, welcoming group, no need to bring a partner, no need to book, just turn up at the door wearing casual dress and comfortable shoes (for the sake of the wooden floors we dance on, we prefer that you change into a separate pair of clean, smooth soled shoes for dancing upon arrival) for a great evening out.  Free tea and coffee plus a shared supper afterwards (contributions welcome but not mandatory).

For further information please contact: Mark 0421 814 718 or ua.gro.kloforanom@ecnadhsub


Dancing In The Park

During December, January and February we generally do not have indoor workshops, however we hold DITP on Stage 88 on most Mondays of these summer months.  Click here for more information.

When: 2024/2025: Monday December 16 & 23, January 6, 13 & 27, and February 3, 10, 17 & 24.


Second Saturday Dances

Bush Dances

Currently suspended – restart to be advised 

The program for these is based on easy and medium dances learned in workshops.  Once again, dances are walked through with a caller then danced to live music.  If you are having a birthday celebration you may consider inviting friends to this dance – contact us for more information.

Live music by the Bush Capital Band

When: To be advised.

Dates are: To be advised

Where: All Saints Church Hall Cowper Street Ainslie     Location map

Cost:   MFS members $10   Non-members $12  Groups and Concession holders $11   Full-time students half price and under 18s free.
Add $1 for hot drinks (tea, coffee, Milo) through the evening.

Please also bring a plate of supper to share during the dance, and your own cup (by request of the hall hirer).

Dancers Dances

See information two sections below.


Christmas Picnic and Dance

BYO everything picnic from 5.30pm, outside on the lawns if the weather is amenable, otherwise inside, followed by a bush dance from 7pm. Dances are walked through, then danced with a caller, to live music.  If you are having a Christmas celebration you may consider inviting friends to this dance – contact us for more information.

Live music by the Bush Capital Band

When:  Picnic 5.30pm-7.00pm;    Dance 7:00pm-10:00pm

Date:    Saturday 30 November 2024

Where: Canberra Baptist Church Hall, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston

Cost (dance):   MFS members $20;   Non-members $25;  Groups and Concession holders $23;   Full-time students $15; and under 18s free.

For full details including a link to Google Maps, click here.


Dancers’ Dances

Currently suspended – restart to be advised 

Dancers’ Dances are nights for intermediate to experienced dancers, generally with dances from several genres from Bush, Scottish, Irish, Contra, English Country, Scandinavian, Bavarian, Ballroom and others, depending on the callers for the evening.

Usually held to live music, but occasionally may be to recorded music.

Held on specified 2nd Saturdays of the month. Not held in December or January.

Venue: TBA     

Time: 7pm to 10.30pm

Cost:   MFS members $10   Non-members $12  Groups and Concession holders $11   Full-time students half price and under 18s free.

Click here for more details.


Kids Bush Dances

To be advised

Where:  TBA

When: 2.30 – 4.00 pm       Cost: Gold coin donation


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