A Spirited Evening of Scottish Country Dancing
The New Dancers’ Celebration is Wellington Region’s biggest annual event, celebrating those who have taken up Scottish Country Dancing in the past two years.
Hosted by Linden Club in 2025 with Ann Oliver as MC, and with 118 people through the door, the evening was full of laughter and lots of smiles. The more experienced dancers helped the newer ones enjoy the special programme of mainly easier dances, with a few that were a little more challenging.
Gwen Lloyd started Scottish Country Dancing this year at Johnsonville Club. Along with other new dancers from throughout the Region, she enjoyed this celebration for the first time.
Read Gwen’s story of her fun and enjoyable experience at this celebration below.
On a lively evening, dancers gathered on Saturday 4 October at Knox Church Hall in Lower Hutt to celebrate the annual New Dancers’ Celebration—a vibrant and welcoming event designed especially for those new to Scottish Country Dancing.
A particularly helpful touch was the invitation sent to new dancers, which included the evening’s dance list and a brief guide to expected etiquette. This thoughtful detail helped set newcomers at ease, giving them a sense of what to expect and how to participate with confidence.
From the first chord played by the live band Saltire, the dance floor was buzzing and remained full right through to the final dance, with a large crowd staying until the very last note.
The musicians played with heart, adding subtle nuances that helped new dancers find the beat, while experienced dancers counted steps and offered gentle guidance (a soft push here saying, “off you go”, a firmer handhold there indicating “not yet”) to help newer dancers find their way.
Smiles, laughter, and encouraging words filled the room, with cheers and spontaneous “woo-hoos” ringing out as the evening progressed. Many newcomers expressed gratitude to their club colleagues, who partnered with them in the early dances and helped ease their nerves—building the confidence they needed.
With growing assurance, these dancers began reaching beyond their home clubs to join others on the floor, creating an unmistakable sense of connection and camaraderie which is something Scottish Country Dancing does so well.
The atmosphere was upbeat and relaxed, with dancers in kilts and casual attire alike sharing the floor. At times it was so full, dancers had to turn sideways just to squeeze through! Our tutors often remind us to dance wide and with extended arms but on this night, there simply wasn’t the space—a happy problem to have!
A restorative supper break was especially appreciated, complete with thoughtful touches like a dedicated gluten-free table. It offered a welcome chance to rest, chat, and connect before heading back to the floor for more dancing.
The success of the evening was no accident, it was the result of comprehensive planning and attention to detail by the organising team. From the warm welcome at the door, to the clear communication beforehand, to the seamless flow of the programme on the night, every element contributed to a positive experience.
The organisers deserve sincere thanks for creating a space where new dancers felt supported and celebrated.
If the New Dancers’ Celebration was any indication, the future of Scottish Country Dancing is in excellent hands—and feet.
Gwen Lloyd
6 October 2025