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The Fort Langley Voyageurs are one of
the newest clubs in the area, starting in 1999 with three couples and
an enthusiastic teacher in training. All got together one afternoon at
the Fort Langley Community Centre and took some photos which a kind
supporter made into a brochure. Different kinds of enthusiasm and
support since then have produced a very successful dance club.
The brochure went to the local paper,
leading to a photo shoot and a full-page article. The group waited for
that first big night. Fifty people showed up, with only three couples
who had danced before!
There is now a beginners’ class, a
family class meeting in the afternoon, and a monthly additional
technique class.
The Voyageurs sponsor two major
events each year: the Christmas Dance and the Tea Dance at the end of the dancing season.
The instructor, Rebecca
Blackhall-Peters and the initial group (Derek and Chris Bissett and
Tony and Margot Popplewell) set some guidelines. The success of the
club has come from sticking with these. The emphasis is still on
dancing as an inclusive, fun activity. There shall be lots of hugging
and laughing at mistakes. There would be no demonstrations of dancing,
but there would be participation in appropriate community events. That
led to dancing at Fort Langley Celtic Days, participation in the May
Day Parade, dancing on Fort Brigade days and participation in other
community group activities.
Another goal of the group is to
support local music. All our major events have live music, and there
is normally live music for the classes. Julie Smith now plays for us
regularly.
Many factors have contributed to a
successful dance club. Everyone, from the original group of six to the
newest class member, however, recognizes that the most important
factor in creating the enthusiasm, present level of skill, and
willingness to participate is the fact that the class has an
outstanding teacher in Rebecca Blackhall-Peters.
Based on an article by Derek Bissett
in The White Cockade, May 2004
Time and Place Tuesday evenings
starting 7:30 September 8, 2009
Beginners 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm (later in September)
General 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley
Information 
604.530.0500
or Chris Bissett 604.888.7867
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