Fort Langley

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 Hall and took some photos which a kind supporter made into a brochure. The latter 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. Different kinds of enthusiasm and support since then have produced a very successful dance club.

The first 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 is lots of laughter, the occasional demonstration of dancing, and participation in appropriate community events. This led to dancing on Fort Langley Celtic Days and on Fort Brigade days, and to participating in the May Day Parade and in other community group activities. For her part, Rebecca recently moved to another region of B.C. after masterfully guiding the Club for 17 years.

The current instructor, Louise Murphy, completed her full teaching certificate in 2011.  Louise has been a member of the Vancouver Demonstration Team for many years.

The first part of the regular Tuesday evening class at the historic Fort Langley Community Hall is generally dedicated to new dancers. Moreover, the Voyageurs sponsor two major events each year: the St. Andrews Dance near the end of November and the Tea Dance at the end of the dancing season.

Another goal of the group is to support local musicians. All the major events have live music, and there is normally live music for the classes. Pianist Julie Smith now plays for us regularly.

Fort Langley Whisky Tea Dance – May 2019
Photo by Kerry McDevitt

Photos of Louise Murphy & Tartan Players
Photo by Helene Nelson