Dancing for the Queen at Balmoral celebrating our 80th Annviversary

We were greatly honoured when her Majesty the Queen kindly invited us to dance for her to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the formation of our Branch.  We decided to perform some dances from our 75th Annversary Book because these dances are all devised by Banffshire Branch members and/or inspired by a Banffshire connection.  The event needed live music and Colin Dewar and his Band (who recorded our 75th Anniversary CD were happy and able to fit us (and Her majesty) into their crowded schedule.

​

On Tuesday 11th August at midday about 40 Branch members and 16 children from local schools crowded  onto the coach in Keith.  On arriving at Balmoral we all had our photo ID's checked (passports, driving licenses, bus passes, etc) before proceeding to the tea room where we were to perofrm.  We received a friendly greeting from Clare Russell, the Lord Liutenant of Banffshire.

​

The area for dancing was slightly less than we expected, so we decided to abandon the children's static display during 'We've nae Electric'.  We got ready and put on our dancing shoes while the Band finished setting up and we had a quick praactise walking and off (always more difficult than the actual dancing!) while the Band changing out of 'just do it' tee-shirts into something slightly more suitable for the occasion.  The Dancers and the Band then had a practise.

​

After the practise, with just a few minutes to go we all stood, puffing and hearts beating, in our sets ready for Findlater Castle, waiting for Her Majesty.  When she arrived (with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie), our Chairman, Gary Coull, gave a short introductory speech and the music and dancing started.

​

Our programme

Findlater Castle

Compliments to Jessie Bain

The Homecoming Dance - children

The Hills of Alba

Gourdieburn

Round Reel of Eight - children

We've nae Electric

​

The Dancing and the music all went well, with nothing worse than the occasional hesitation or poorly-pointed foot (hopefuly, she didn't notice)

​

Her Majesty and the two Princesses appeared to be very happy with our performance.  Toe -tappoing was observed!

​

Mrs Jean Mair devisor of 'Compliments to Jessie Bain' presented Her Majesty with Banffshire Branch CDs and dance books.  The Royal party then spent a considerable time walking amongst us, talking with us and asking questions.  Her Majesty even asked what the floor was like to dance on.  (It was hard but not slippy)

​

We were treated to tea an biscuit and had plenty of tme to chattter before piling back onto the coach to return to Keith.

It was a highly successful event and, after having danced for the Queen, we left wondering - what can we do next?

​

​