To celebrate the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the Province of South Australia the Adelaide Colonial Dancers and the Adelaide Traditional and Bush Dance Society have organised a Grand Colonial Ball at the Adelaide Town Hall on 25th June. It has been made possible through a History SA SA175 grant as well as generous sponsorship by Adelaide Town Council, Patritti Wines and the Flower Room.
It promises to be a colourful grand spectacle with many in colonial costume while there will be music from the 30 piece Gawler Town Band and the family folk group Tamarisque. Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood will welcome guests with assistance from a Town Crier and a Fort Glanville heritage guard of honour.
The ball will start at 8 pm with the assembled guests joining the Grand March to enter the hall – this was the traditional way for balls to begin in colonial times. There will then be a program of dances including ballroom favorites like Military Two Step and Kings Waltz, and a range of older ‘colonial’ dances many of which can be learned on the spot.
There will also be a display of the famous ‘Alberts Quadrille’ by the Adelaide Colonial Dancers. ‘The Alberts’ was featured in ballrooms for over 100 years. Even if you won’t be dancing, you can watch from the balcony, enjoy the music and join in the ceremonies and supper – it will be a night to remember!
Pre-ball drinks will be served from 7 pm and supper will be provided. Tickets are $50, from all BASS outlets, phone 131 246 or book online. The council has $3 evening parking available at their UPark in the Central Market which stays open until 1am.
It is 25 years since a similar ball was held in classical grandeur of Adelaide Town Hall designed by Edmund Wright and hailed as “the largest municipal building south of the Equator” when it was officially opened on 20 June 1866. On this occasion, there was a grand ball for 800 guests which reportedly went on until 5 am but this one finishes at midnight!
Ticket holders are encouraged to come to the four practice evenings available from 31 May to try out the dances prior to the ball. For more information see our events calendar, contact Pam on 8277 0738 or visit the Adelaide Colonial Dancers’ website.