Bush dance

Bush dance is a style of dance from Australia, particularly where the music is provided by a bush band. The dances are mainly based on the traditional folk dances of the UK, Ireland and central Europe.

Dances can be grouped by the formations of the dancers.

Alternate men and women in a circle or horse shoe (example Stockyards)

Men and women in a ballroom or similar hold arranged around the room (example Brown Jug Polka)

3 to 8 couples in two lines, ladies face the band, men face the ladies. Top couple on the band's left. If up and down the hall, ladies on band's left, top couple nearest the band (example Galopede)

Couples facing each other at right angles to the line-of-dance around the room. Usually a progressive dance, so half the dancers will progress clockwise and half anti-clockwise. Double Sicilian is 2 couples, facing 2 couples (example Cottages)

Lines of three, a man and two women or two women and a man facing a similar line. Sets arranged around the room (example Dashing White Sergeant)

Four couples arranged on the sides of a square (example Colonial’s Quadrille).

For more details refer to Quadrilles.

Tunes are mostly traditional UK and Irish tunes. UK, Irish and USA session players would know variations of most of the tunes.

Rhythms include – Reel, Jig, March, Waltz and Hornpipe.

Instruments – Fiddle, Piano, Accordion both Piano and Melodeon, Concertina; both English and Anglo, Tin whistle, Bush bass, Guitar, Banjo and all types of Percussion, including lagerphone. Electric amplified instruments, such as electric bass guitar or electric guitar have been used since the 1970s.

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