Thanks to those who have responded to our survey on Intergenerational Opportunities. The response was disappointingly low numerically, but those responses received were of high quality and certainly useful.
The surveys, dancing, musicians and organisation all depend on your continuing support. Please don't just take it for granted that all of this will still be there next time, or it may not be.
Why not dance while you can, and participate fully in everything that goes with it?
Here are the 6 responses, in full, a valuable resource for all our organisers:
Q1. How can we attract a younger bush dance crowd, and encourage younger folk to help?
1) One way is through their kids! Many "young folk" in their 30s and 40s are in the midst of child raising and one method to encourage more to bush dancing is through family bush dances. MFS presently hold one Kids Dance in December. Could this be increased to two? Could there be more opportunity for bush dancing displays at school fetes, lessons at schools/pre-schools etc.
Personally, I have wonderful memories of bush dancing as a child (strip the willow, barn dance, pride of erin etc). I grew up in the country and attending dances was a great social occasion for the small local schools. These experiences have encouraged me to get back involved now as an adult (with kids of my own - being 4 and 2 years old). The fact that you can dance with a lot of different people really makes it a fun experience. Also, from a parents' perspective, it is more accessible, social, wholesome, energetic (not to mention being accompanied by "live" music!), than many of the types of kids dance offered by dance schools (such as hip-hop dancing etc).
There is the interesting element of history, and of course the dressing up! I see many ways to "market" bush dancing as not only fun for the family, but for kids and parents individually. As for "young folk" in their 20s, well, remembering my 20s, I was focused on study, work, moving house, socialising and looking back couldn't really see bush dancing in the mix. My thinking is to focus on folks in their 30s and 40s who has passed (one hopes) to a better age of maturity, reflection and being settled. Get the kids interested, spark their enthusiasm, go dancing in "cool" old/historical places in great dress ups etc etc. Give them a "taste" for life!
I think the focus should be on being seen, rather than social media (internet, face book etc). Technoloy is useful to record experiences, give updates etc. However I really feel that the beauty of bush dancing is how it feels (sight, sound, movement), which cannot be captured well online. [PS Happy to help in formulating, brainstorming, implementing any plans along these lines... so there is bush dancing about for my kids when they grow up and for me as I grow into (I hope) an "inspiring oldie"!)]
2) The example which jumps out is Melbourne's Borderline Kaylee. They are youth group run by themselves for themselves. One saw at the national this year several of them coming to the regular events. Teens and uni students need an environment without we the older generation. Also, looking at the swing crowd, lively dances rather than those quadrilles where only the active couple does much.
3) Young woman are put off by being monstered. Older male dancers need to behave like dutch fathers. Dance is fun. We need to expose youngsters to easy, fun dances that are energetic and lively. Peter Foster is an excellent fast caller for that purpose.
4) Go to schools and universities and advertise. There are probably lots of people who might be interested in giving the dances a go and don't know about them being on. Even if they don't want to go, their parents might make them, so you'd get a much greater turn out.
5) show young people, like Simon, in advertising photos
6) Me and my mates went to the Bushwackers at the national and it was great The band was good and there was mostly young people. And the Borderline Kaylee dance was awesome. We went to some of the other dances but they were mainly old people tho the music was good there to, But it was a bit off to have to dance with grandies. The contra was good too but there wer a lot of oldies there too.
Q2. Please indicate your age bracket:
Response/Percent/Count
Under 20 1
20-29 1
30-39 1
40-49 0
50-59 1
60-69 2
70 or over 0
