The history of the SOBHD/ ABHDI within Australia was prepared by Miss Judith Monteith.
Highland Dancing in the Australian colony in the 19th Century
Source: Information gleaned from notes by the late Mr D Scotland O.A.M B.E.M
In the mid 1830s the first Scottish immigrants arrived in Australia and during the next two decades many more Highlanders and Lowlanders followed. Prior to this period there were only a small number of Scots in comparison including about 100 convicts transported from Scotland to the Port Arthur Penal Colony, Tasmania.
During the 1850s many emigrated as a result of the clearance s in Scotland. Although some of these immigrants were to settle in both country and city areas within vast Sates and Territories of Australia, Victoria became the most popular colony to settle during this period. Unfortunately, there are few records available as to who were the Highland Dancing teachers at this time.
It is obvious that amongst the early arrivals from the United Kingdom, be they convict or free settlers there must have been Scots who had learnt Highland Dancing in the land of their birth. Early Highland dancers in Australia were mostly males and there is mentioned in correspondence of that period, that at functions, be it a wedding in Sydney or one of the growing cities, a Station or Settlers Homestead that an exhibition of Highland Dancing covering Fling, Reel or Swords performed over sticks or brooms was given.
The earliest evidence of Scottish societies holding dancing competitions was recorded in The Melbourne Herald in 1860. This was a report of the “Grand Caledonian Gathering” - a two day festival from 30th November to 1st December 1860. Another early Highland Dancing competition organised within Australia was held on New Year’s Day 1869 at the Albert Ground, Redfern, Sydney, as part of the Highland Gathering organised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Highland Rifle Brigade. There were four competitors who performed the Highland Fling, Sword Dance and Highland Reel. The judge was a Mr John Clark. The results show that the winners were a Mr J.H.Campbell (Highland Fling), Mr Culbert (Gillie Callum) and Mr Donaldson (Highland Reel). No mention was made of the fourth competitor.
Over the following years the number of competitors gradually increased ad in 1874 the winner of each adult event received a prize of two pounds. Anther new venture at that time was the holding of a Highland Dancing competition for boys. Mr John Clark is again recorded as being the judge but what his experience or qualifications were, is unknown. In 1879 the Gathering saw two new events added to the dancing competition namely the Sailors Hornpipe that was open only to bona fide sailors from ships in port ad a Highland Fling for young ladies. On January 2nd each year, the names of the winners appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, the leading paper of the day in New South Wales. By 1878, the Highland Society of New South Wales had come into existence and become the organisers of this event.
Because of the interest shown, agricultural dhows in many country towns began to add Highland Dancing competition to their program. These events were attracting greater numbers of spectators and, with cash prizes being given in the dance sections, it was creating greater competition. There are not many of these outside Highland dancing events held today.
In the mid 1830s the first Scottish immigrants arrived in Australia and during the next two decades many more Highlanders and Lowlanders followed. Prior to this period there were only a small number of Scots in comparison including about 100 convicts transported from Scotland to the Port Arthur Penal Colony, Tasmania.
During the 1850s many emigrated as a result of the clearance s in Scotland. Although some of these immigrants were to settle in both country and city areas within vast Sates and Territories of Australia, Victoria became the most popular colony to settle during this period. Unfortunately, there are few records available as to who were the Highland Dancing teachers at this time.
It is obvious that amongst the early arrivals from the United Kingdom, be they convict or free settlers there must have been Scots who had learnt Highland Dancing in the land of their birth. Early Highland dancers in Australia were mostly males and there is mentioned in correspondence of that period, that at functions, be it a wedding in Sydney or one of the growing cities, a Station or Settlers Homestead that an exhibition of Highland Dancing covering Fling, Reel or Swords performed over sticks or brooms was given.
The earliest evidence of Scottish societies holding dancing competitions was recorded in The Melbourne Herald in 1860. This was a report of the “Grand Caledonian Gathering” - a two day festival from 30th November to 1st December 1860. Another early Highland Dancing competition organised within Australia was held on New Year’s Day 1869 at the Albert Ground, Redfern, Sydney, as part of the Highland Gathering organised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Highland Rifle Brigade. There were four competitors who performed the Highland Fling, Sword Dance and Highland Reel. The judge was a Mr John Clark. The results show that the winners were a Mr J.H.Campbell (Highland Fling), Mr Culbert (Gillie Callum) and Mr Donaldson (Highland Reel). No mention was made of the fourth competitor.
Over the following years the number of competitors gradually increased ad in 1874 the winner of each adult event received a prize of two pounds. Anther new venture at that time was the holding of a Highland Dancing competition for boys. Mr John Clark is again recorded as being the judge but what his experience or qualifications were, is unknown. In 1879 the Gathering saw two new events added to the dancing competition namely the Sailors Hornpipe that was open only to bona fide sailors from ships in port ad a Highland Fling for young ladies. On January 2nd each year, the names of the winners appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, the leading paper of the day in New South Wales. By 1878, the Highland Society of New South Wales had come into existence and become the organisers of this event.
Because of the interest shown, agricultural dhows in many country towns began to add Highland Dancing competition to their program. These events were attracting greater numbers of spectators and, with cash prizes being given in the dance sections, it was creating greater competition. There are not many of these outside Highland dancing events held today.
Information gleaned from M.S.Allen, SOBHD Judge
Early in the century the number of teachers conducting schools of Highland Dancing grew in all States and Territories of Australia. This was due not only to the migration policy of Australia at the time, but also due to the genuine love of this discipline by those who had previously participated in this country as competitors.
Due to the vastness of the country and difficulty in regard to transport and costs involved, it was rarely possible for dancers to compete out with their area of domiciliation. Teachers and judges held no particular Highland Dance qualification only a love of the dance. There were many differing steps, styles and costume during this era. Each State and Territory of Australia had its own particular style and each State and Territory believed that it was correct.
Interest in Highland Dancing had increased and the teaching was widespread in the cities as well as the country areas. Competitions were held by the Highland Games Organisers, Scottish Societies, within the dance section of Eisteddfods, and at Agricultural Shows particularly in country areas.
Information regarding Highland Dancing technique was mainly by “word of mouth” in Australia before the formation of the Australian Board of Highland Dancing. As a result, the experienced dancer became aware of the style wanted by a particular judge and tried to adjust the style and steps to accommodate the “pint of view” of that particular judge. Original dances began to be lost with the embellishments that were exaggerated and overdone.
With the end of World War 2 there was a great resurgence of interest in Highland Dancing, not only by Australians themselves but also by the Scots migrating to Australia. It became obvious that unrest in technique and judging was prevalent in most States and Territories of Australia with a strong desire for uniformity. We were indeed most fortunate that the same desire for uniformity was also evident about the same time in Scotland itself, which resulted in the formation of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing in 1950.
John Cousins
Mr Cousins was born in Scotland in the mid 1880’s. He was a successful Highland Dancer in Scotland following the various Highland Games in his days as a young man. Having migrated with his parents and brothers to Australia prior to the First World War he resided firstly in Victoria and later in Sydney. His love of Highland Dancing was always with him. He was well known and respected Judge of Highland Dancing in New South Wales.Early in the century the number of teachers conducting schools of Highland Dancing grew in all States and Territories of Australia. This was due not only to the migration policy of Australia at the time, but also due to the genuine love of this discipline by those who had previously participated in this country as competitors.
Due to the vastness of the country and difficulty in regard to transport and costs involved, it was rarely possible for dancers to compete out with their area of domiciliation. Teachers and judges held no particular Highland Dance qualification only a love of the dance. There were many differing steps, styles and costume during this era. Each State and Territory of Australia had its own particular style and each State and Territory believed that it was correct.
Interest in Highland Dancing had increased and the teaching was widespread in the cities as well as the country areas. Competitions were held by the Highland Games Organisers, Scottish Societies, within the dance section of Eisteddfods, and at Agricultural Shows particularly in country areas.
Information regarding Highland Dancing technique was mainly by “word of mouth” in Australia before the formation of the Australian Board of Highland Dancing. As a result, the experienced dancer became aware of the style wanted by a particular judge and tried to adjust the style and steps to accommodate the “pint of view” of that particular judge. Original dances began to be lost with the embellishments that were exaggerated and overdone.
With the end of World War 2 there was a great resurgence of interest in Highland Dancing, not only by Australians themselves but also by the Scots migrating to Australia. It became obvious that unrest in technique and judging was prevalent in most States and Territories of Australia with a strong desire for uniformity. We were indeed most fortunate that the same desire for uniformity was also evident about the same time in Scotland itself, which resulted in the formation of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing in 1950.
John Cousins
Mr Cousins was born in Scotland in the mid 1880’s. He was a successful Highland Dancer in Scotland following the various Highland Games in his days as a young man. Having migrated with his parents and brothers to Australia prior to the First World War he resided firstly in Victoria and later in Sydney. His love of Highland Dancing was always with him. He was well known and respected Judge of Highland Dancing in New South Wales.Early in the century the number of teachers conducting schools of Highland Dancing grew in all States and Territories of Australia. This was due not only to the migration policy of Australia at the time, but also due to the genuine love of this discipline by those who had previously participated in this country as competitors.
John Cousins
Changes afoot in Highland Dancing within Australia
By the 1940s, John Cousins came to believe that he must take steps to try and bring Highland dancers back to the work that he had danced in Scotland.
In 1945, Mr Cousins decided to open a Highland Dancing School and asked Maree Fairfield (Allen), a young successful competitive dancer, to be his assistant. This became a very difficult time for his pupils and the teachers of the time, while having respected him as a judge, could not understand his desire to change the styles.
However he persevered (as did his pupils) and decided in the late forties an the early fifties along with Mrs Doris Stokes (a teacher and a Judge who resided in Newcastle, NSW) and Maree Fairfield to try and bring teachers and interested persons of the day together with hope of standardising Highland dancing in New South Wales. Mr Cousins was one of the recognised teachers who attended he first meeting called to bring about what was to become the Australian Board of Highland Dancing in 1960. His interest in Highland Dancing never waivered. His pupils will remember the tapping foot and his whistling of the dance tune throughout class.
Mr Cousins died in July 1966 and was sadly missed by the Highland Dancing community.
In 1945, Mr Cousins decided to open a Highland Dancing School and asked Maree Fairfield (Allen), a young successful competitive dancer, to be his assistant. This became a very difficult time for his pupils and the teachers of the time, while having respected him as a judge, could not understand his desire to change the styles.
However he persevered (as did his pupils) and decided in the late forties an the early fifties along with Mrs Doris Stokes (a teacher and a Judge who resided in Newcastle, NSW) and Maree Fairfield to try and bring teachers and interested persons of the day together with hope of standardising Highland dancing in New South Wales. Mr Cousins was one of the recognised teachers who attended he first meeting called to bring about what was to become the Australian Board of Highland Dancing in 1960. His interest in Highland Dancing never waivered. His pupils will remember the tapping foot and his whistling of the dance tune throughout class.
Mr Cousins died in July 1966 and was sadly missed by the Highland Dancing community.
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Vera Lacey
It was due to the tenacity and perseverance of a few persons in Australia who were desirous of securing a standardisation of Highland Dancing within Australia and thereto affiliation with the newly formed SOBHD. Vera Lacey was one such person. Besides studying law she was a performer for the well known theatre company within Australia for many long years, J.C.Williamson. Mrs Lacey, as British Ballet Organisation’s Australasian representative, and keen upon Highland Dancing examinations being incorporated into an affiliated Highland branch, knew it would be extremely difficult to achieve a standardisation of Highland Dancing within Australia and for the many teachers to make the necessary changes to what they had been teaching for many years on somebody else’s say so. Hence she realised how necessary it was to accept an arbitrator such as the newly formed Scottish Official Board and set off on what was, at the time, a long and costly trip to Britain to attend SOBHD meetings, observe and take films of Highland Dancing in Scotland and seek as much technical information and advice as was possible to bring back to Australia. Miss Adeline Calder, as a British Ballet Organisation affiliate to the SOBHD was also of great assistance in those early days. Mrs Lacey later successfully sat the SBHD Judges examination. Vera Lacey was instrumental in the setting up of the initial meetings of what is now known the ABHDI and offered the British Ballet Organisation’s premises in Sydney free for meetings and later ABHD Judges’ examinations. She remained in her original position as the BBO Australasian representative and as an examiner for the BBO and National Dancing Association (NDA) until her passing in 1978. |
Vera Lacey
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Initial Steps that lead to the formation of the Australian Board of Highland Dancing Inc.
In the early 1950s two Highland Dancing Associations were formed with the common object of introducing uniform technique into Highland Dancing, judging and dress similar to that of the newly formed Scottish Official Board of highland Dancing in Scotland. These associations were the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia (SDAA) and the National Dancing Association of Australasia (NDAA) both of which remain relevant examining bodies in various states of Australia to this day.
Highland Dancing was flourishing in other states of Australia, especially Victoria. However, due to infrequent public transport and the high costs involved with travel across the vast areas of Australia at that time one could have been on another planet. The Victorian Scottish Dancing Association (VSDA) was formed on the 3rd August 1954 and was striving to follow SOBHD technique also. The VSDA is still functioning strongly to this day in Victoria and has been examining body for a long period of time.
With distance, cost and time re travel between Scotland and Australia being prohibited and communication with the SOBHD in early years most difficult due to the slowness of all overseas mail systems at that time, trying to achieve conformity within Highland Dancing was almost impossible.
Scottish Dancing Association of Australia (SDAA)
It was Mr John Cousins and Mrs Doris Stokes (both respected teachers and judges of the time) and Miss Maree Fairfield (Allen) a dancer and competitor and assistant teacher with Mr Cousins, who initiated the first meeting of the SDAA in the early 1950s which resulted in the formation of the Scottish Dancing Association of New South Wales on the 5th August 1953, which later became the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia. Medal tests in Highland Dancing were introduced shortly thereafter. Miss Fairfield (Allen), now a respected judge and a long serving member of various Highland Dancing committees, was the first Secretary of the association and is a Foundation and Life Member of the SDAA.
National Dancing Association of Australasia (NDAA)
The inaugural meeting of the NDAA was held in 1951 in Sydney with Mrs Vera Lacey as Director and Mrs Dorothy Kerr BEM, the Honorary Secretary at that time. The first Highland Dancing examinations held within Australia were conducted by the NDAA and were demonstrated initially to approximately fifty local teachers in May 1952. In setting up the syllabi it was decided that technique must be as per the technique set down by the SOBHD and contain theory questions for all grades. Mrs Kerr remained the Secretarial office of the NDAA up until her retirement in 1999.
It was due to the foresight of persons connected to these two associations that the initial meetings were instigated, which led to the formation of the Australian Board of Highland Dancing, incorporated, as it is known today.
Highland Dancing was flourishing in other states of Australia, especially Victoria. However, due to infrequent public transport and the high costs involved with travel across the vast areas of Australia at that time one could have been on another planet. The Victorian Scottish Dancing Association (VSDA) was formed on the 3rd August 1954 and was striving to follow SOBHD technique also. The VSDA is still functioning strongly to this day in Victoria and has been examining body for a long period of time.
With distance, cost and time re travel between Scotland and Australia being prohibited and communication with the SOBHD in early years most difficult due to the slowness of all overseas mail systems at that time, trying to achieve conformity within Highland Dancing was almost impossible.
Scottish Dancing Association of Australia (SDAA)
It was Mr John Cousins and Mrs Doris Stokes (both respected teachers and judges of the time) and Miss Maree Fairfield (Allen) a dancer and competitor and assistant teacher with Mr Cousins, who initiated the first meeting of the SDAA in the early 1950s which resulted in the formation of the Scottish Dancing Association of New South Wales on the 5th August 1953, which later became the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia. Medal tests in Highland Dancing were introduced shortly thereafter. Miss Fairfield (Allen), now a respected judge and a long serving member of various Highland Dancing committees, was the first Secretary of the association and is a Foundation and Life Member of the SDAA.
National Dancing Association of Australasia (NDAA)
The inaugural meeting of the NDAA was held in 1951 in Sydney with Mrs Vera Lacey as Director and Mrs Dorothy Kerr BEM, the Honorary Secretary at that time. The first Highland Dancing examinations held within Australia were conducted by the NDAA and were demonstrated initially to approximately fifty local teachers in May 1952. In setting up the syllabi it was decided that technique must be as per the technique set down by the SOBHD and contain theory questions for all grades. Mrs Kerr remained the Secretarial office of the NDAA up until her retirement in 1999.
It was due to the foresight of persons connected to these two associations that the initial meetings were instigated, which led to the formation of the Australian Board of Highland Dancing, incorporated, as it is known today.
Dorothy Kerr B.E.M. D.Ua
Dorothy Kerr
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Dorothy Kerr’s contribution to Highland Dancing within Australia is considerable and with her drive and vision to lift the art of Highland Dancing within Australia she did achieve much success. Following the SOBHD steps from the initial 16mm film produced in Scotland she passed such knowledge on to teachers in NSW cities and towns and in other States.
For her services to Highland Dancing she was honoured with the British Empire Medal and also recognised as Duine Uasal with post-nominal rights of use of D.Ua for service to the Celts by the Celtic Council of Australia. Her encouragement, advice and assistance to the younger teacher will be remembered by many across Australia. |
As the ABHD’s first Hon. Secretary she was instrumental in gaining support and approval for the ABHDI to conduct judges’ examinations within Australia. In collaboration with Vera Lacey and Mabel MacInnes she introduced the first Highland examinations into Australia in 1952 and registered the first Championship under the auspices of the SOBHD. She was a registered judge, examiner and great teacher culminating in two of her pupils winning the World Championship. Being honoured along with four other distinguished world Highland teachers in Las Vegas in 2004 meant a great deal to Mrs Kerr. She was a mentor to many teachers. Mrs Kerr indeed left us with a great legacy on her passing in 2008.
Maree Allen OAM
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Born in Arncliffe, Sydney, NSW, Maree Allen (nee Fairfield) has been involved in Highland Dancing since the age of five and remains very active in judging and administration in NSW and Australia. She is one of the longest serving SOBHD Judges in Australia having passed the SOBHD Judges Test in Scotland in 1962.
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Maree Allen
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It was in 1945 that Mr John Cousins invited Maree, at the time a very successful competitive dancer, to become his assistant and later in partnership, to teach what he knew from experience was the authentic Highland Dancing h had learnt in Scotland as a young man. Both became foundation members of the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia whose beginnings commenced in the early 1950s and instrumental in the formation of the ABHD. The studio produced many successful competitive pupils.
When as President of the ABHDI, Maree worked diligently for recognition of ABHDI qualified Judges by the SOBHD. Maree serves to this day on Highland Dancing committees with much dedication, commitment and integrity. Maree was awarded the Order of Australia Medal OAM on Australia Day 2013 for her service to Highland dancing as a teacher, adjudicator and administrator.
When as President of the ABHDI, Maree worked diligently for recognition of ABHDI qualified Judges by the SOBHD. Maree serves to this day on Highland Dancing committees with much dedication, commitment and integrity. Maree was awarded the Order of Australia Medal OAM on Australia Day 2013 for her service to Highland dancing as a teacher, adjudicator and administrator.
Flora Carter (nee Grubb)
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The lady who put Australia on the map with Highland Dancing, by being the first Australian to win the Worlds at Cowal in 1960. Our very own icon.
Flora’s Story: At the age of 6, along with my three sisters, I spent my first-year learning Highland Dancing under May Mathews and her daughter Jean. Our parents were keen for all our... family to enjoy our Scottish Heritage. The next 7 years we danced with Margo Kerr a New Zealand teacher who also taught us Ballet. During this time, I was most successful in our local area. Sometimes Nance and I would venture to the Highland games at Tamworth, Grafton or Inverell – wherever the overnight train would take us. |
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When our lovely teacher returned to New Zealand I travelled to Sydney to further my dancing with the amazing Dorothy Kerr, who soon became my second mum. I stayed with her every second weekend and she fostered my dancing career and passion for Highland Dancing as only she could do. I went on to win every Championship in NSW and finally in 1959 the Adult Grand Australasian Championship.
With her amazing foresight Mrs. Kerr then opened the door for me to take lessons with three times World Champion J.L. McKenzie in Aberdeen. My hometown of Newcastle raised the money for me to fulfil my dream to dance in Bonnie Scotland.
In 1960 at the age of 21 I sailed for 5 weeks on the S.S.Oronsay to London then on the Flying Scotsman straight to Aberdeen. I enjoyed 4 hour lessons with J.L. every day for several weeks then with the help of my dear friend Katie Forsyth and her son Billy I was able to travel all over Scotland to compete at the various Games. Finally, on to Dunoon where I was given a lap of honour driving around the arena with the Australian Flag flying as I was the first overseas dancer to win the Adult World Championship.
Next, I was flying off to New York as lead dancer along with Billy Forsyth in the show “Caledonia” and singers and dancers of Scotland touring U.S.A. and Canada for five months. We travelled by coach through 32 States doing one night shows.
I spent the next 50 years promoting Highland Dancing in Australia.
I have trained many champions including Justine Daly who was 8 times Grand Australasian Champion and won fifth place in the Adult World Championship. I have enjoyed travelling Australia judging, teaching at workshops and examining for the NDAA as well as judging overseas in Scotland, Canada and New Zealand.
In 1993, I was awarded the honour of Duine Uasalby by the Celtic Council of Australia for my services to the Scottish Arts.
Flora’s motto: I used to live to dance! Now I dance to live! Thank you for the memories.
May 2019
With her amazing foresight Mrs. Kerr then opened the door for me to take lessons with three times World Champion J.L. McKenzie in Aberdeen. My hometown of Newcastle raised the money for me to fulfil my dream to dance in Bonnie Scotland.
In 1960 at the age of 21 I sailed for 5 weeks on the S.S.Oronsay to London then on the Flying Scotsman straight to Aberdeen. I enjoyed 4 hour lessons with J.L. every day for several weeks then with the help of my dear friend Katie Forsyth and her son Billy I was able to travel all over Scotland to compete at the various Games. Finally, on to Dunoon where I was given a lap of honour driving around the arena with the Australian Flag flying as I was the first overseas dancer to win the Adult World Championship.
Next, I was flying off to New York as lead dancer along with Billy Forsyth in the show “Caledonia” and singers and dancers of Scotland touring U.S.A. and Canada for five months. We travelled by coach through 32 States doing one night shows.
I spent the next 50 years promoting Highland Dancing in Australia.
I have trained many champions including Justine Daly who was 8 times Grand Australasian Champion and won fifth place in the Adult World Championship. I have enjoyed travelling Australia judging, teaching at workshops and examining for the NDAA as well as judging overseas in Scotland, Canada and New Zealand.
In 1993, I was awarded the honour of Duine Uasalby by the Celtic Council of Australia for my services to the Scottish Arts.
Flora’s motto: I used to live to dance! Now I dance to live! Thank you for the memories.
May 2019