Bush dance is a form of folk dance that originated in the rural regions of Australia and, to a lesser extent, New Zealand, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It adapts European country dance traditions—particularly English, Irish, Scottish, and French figures—to the social and cultural context of the Australian “bush,” incorporating local music styles, improvisational elements, and informal social settings.
Historical development
- Origins (c. 1850‑1900): European settlers brought a variety of country and contra dances to Australia. In isolated rural communities, these dances were modified to suit the limited number of participants, the informal venues (e.g., farms, community halls), and the musical instruments available, such as the accordion, fiddle, and later the button accordion and piano accordion.
- Early 20th century: The term “bush dance” began appearing in newspaper reports and community notices, describing gatherings where locally composed or adapted tunes accompanied traditional dance figures.
- Post‑World War II revival: A resurgence of interest in folk culture during the 1950s‑1970s led to the formation of bush dance clubs and societies, which standardized many figures while preserving regional variations. Publications such as The Bush Dance Book (1979) codified basic steps and call formats.
Characteristics
- Figures and calls: Bush dances consist of a sequence of set figures (e.g., “the chain,” “the reel,” “the twist,” “the spriggan”) called out by a “caller” who directs participants through the choreography. The figures are often simpler than those of their European antecedents, allowing for a range of skill levels.
- Music: The repertoire includes traditional Irish reels, jigs, hornpipes, as well as Australian‑composed tunes (e.g., “The Bush Girl” or “Molly Malone” in Australian style). Instruments typically feature the accordion, fiddle, piano accordion, mandolin, and, in contemporary settings, electric guitars or percussion.
- Social context: Bush dances are community‑oriented events, frequently held in rural halls, pubs, and outdoor venues. They serve both as entertainment and as a means of reinforcing local identity, especially in isolated towns. Participation is open and informal; dancers often rotate partners between figures.
Regional variations
- Australian states: South Australia and Victoria have long-standing bush dance traditions, with distinct “South Australian” and “Victorian” figure sets. Queensland’s bush dances sometimes incorporate “country waltz” elements.
- New Zealand: While less prevalent, New Zealand bush dances adopt similar call structures but may integrate Maori rhythmic patterns and instruments such as the pūtātara.
Contemporary practice
- Clubs and festivals: Organizations such as the Bush Music Club (Sydney) and the Australian Bush Dance Society coordinate regular meetings, workshops, and annual festivals (e.g., the Australian Bush Dance Festival).
- Education: Bush dance is taught in some Australian schools and community colleges as part of cultural heritage curricula.
- Adaptations: Modern bush dance groups sometimes blend traditional figures with contemporary music genres (e.g., folk‑rock) while retaining core call‑and‑response mechanics.
Notable publications and resources
- The Bush Dance Book (1979, edited by W. B. Grafton) – a comprehensive guide to figures, calls, and music.
- Australian Bush Folk: Songs and Songs of the Bush (1990, J. M. H. Armstrong) – includes a section on dance forms.
- The Australian Folk Federation’s online database of bush dance events and instructional videos.
Cultural significance
Bush dance is regarded as an expression of rural Australian cultural heritage. It reflects the adaptation of immigrant musical and dance traditions to a new environment and continues to function as a living tradition that fosters intergenerational community interaction.
See also
- Country dance
- Contra dance
- Céilí (Irish folk dance)
- Folk music
References
- Grafton, W. B. (1979). The Bush Dance Book. Sydney: Folk Press.
- Armstrong, J. M. H. (1990). Australian Bush Folk: Songs and Songs of the Bush. Melbourne: Heritage Publishing.
- Australian Bush Dance Society. (2023). “History of Bush Dance.” Retrieved from https://www.abds.org.au/history.
This entry summarizes established scholarly and community sources on bush dance; no significant disputes or controversies are noted in the literature.