Topic: History of the Horowhenua Dance Club
Topic type:
The Horowhenua Old Tyme Dance Club was formed on 14 March 1963, the Club changed it's name to the Horowhenua Dance Club in 1993 .
The Old Tyme Dance Club was incorporated in 1963 soon after its formation on 14 March that year. The formation meeting was attended by Ian Jamieson, who is still a member of the Club. George and Sylvia Pratt, who were also foundation members, are still very active members of the Club.
The opening Club dance night took place on 6 April at the Masonic Hall, Levin.
The first General Meeting was held at the Labour Hall on 7 May 1963, with 26 financial members present. From this humble beginning the Club grew steadily and is still meeting the needs of dancers in the Horowhenua and beyond. In 1977 the Club had a membership of 254.
The first Annual Ball was held at the Levin Memorial Hall at 8.30 pm on Friday 6 August 1965, admission was two guineas per couple. Len Spelman's Orchestra provided the music.
Various halls have been home to the Club over the years; the Regent Hall, Senior Citizens Hall and Intermediate School Hall, but the Club has been established in the St. Mary's Church Hall on Manchester Street, Levin since 1990. Special dances have been held at the Kimberley Hall and the Levin Memorial Hall.
In 1993 the Club changed it's name to the Horowhenua Dance Club; it was felt that this name would better reflect the style of dances that were now becoming popular, and being introduced to the programmes. There were now more modern Sequence and New Vogue dances than Old Tyme, and it was felt the new name better represented the tenor of the Club at that time.
In the early days the music for the Saturday night dances was provided by the Len Spelman Trio, with Len as pianist, Bob Stewart piano accordian and Doug Haigh drummer. Len eventually left the band and Bob and Doug carried on as the Toe Tappers. Later Don McIntyre took over the role of drummer.
On Monday nights Club member Henry Philips set up a purpose built digital unit and played music from discs, strictly to the tempo requirements of the various dances. Henry's music was renowned throughout the district. A small group of members now carry on the work of playing this excellent music for both Monday and Saturday dances.
In the early years teaching of the dances was done by Mr. Hickey, later by Windy Wehipeihana, Alan and Betty Longhurst, Paul and Val Skilton and in recent years by Cheryl and John Palliser
New dances are developed by professional dancers, mainly in England, teachers obtain scripts of these dances and from the scrips they teach the steps to club membrs. Alan and Betty Longhurst, and then Cheryl and John Palliser, have been responsible for interpreting the scripts and teaching the dances over many years.
Americans dancing at the Cecil Club, Wellington
Club culture
2010 Pam Godfrey Interview
