International dance convention

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33451, 5 February 1974, Page 12

International dance convention

One thousand visitors are expected in Christchurch this veek for an international dance convention.

The chairman of the or-, ganising committee (Mr A. K. Shepherd), said the event [was the Air New Zealand Southern Hemisphere Square and Round Dance Convention, to be held from February 8 to 10. It is primarily a social ‘ gathering. There will be no competition and people will [be there to enjoy each’ [other’s company and to [dance to overseas callers, [said Mr Shepherd. The convention will be [held at the two largest floor, :areas in the city—Cowles [Stadium and Skellerup Hall—and dancers will come [from nine Canadian states,| ;21 American states, four; i Australian states and from [most clubs throughout New 'Zealand. So far they have [lost only two couples—who 'are stranded in Brisbane be-' ’cause of the floods. i One of the features of the [occasion, considered by 'American experts to be the 'largest outside the North 'American continent, will be [the colourful frocks and ultra modern square dance; fashions worn by the danc[ers. [ The dancing will begin at 8.00 p.m. on Friday evening, finishing at 11.00 p.m. On [Saturday it will begin at 9.00 a m., again at 2.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. in the evening [for the official opening. The

conference will begin at 9.30 am. on Sunday, and there will be dancing "sessions at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mr Shepherd said that the leaders would conduct seminars, discussions and teaching sessions on the Sunday morning. The first group of 84 will arrive at Christchurch Airport today at 3.45 p.m. Another 206 will arrive tomorrow. Many of the dancers and leaders will visit other clubs in the country after the convention.