About Us
Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group (SSBDG) is a non-profit social community folk dance group providing Australian bush dancing and bush dance workshops as a community activity in the Sutherland Shire.
Commencing in October, 1985, SSBDG is affiliated with Bush Music Club and the Folk Federation of NSW to assist in promoting interest in Australian heritage through bush dancing and bush dance tuition.
SSBDG still conducts a weekly bush dance workshop in the Shire. Although not having its own bush band, the Group manages quite well with tapes and cd's and has an experienced well known caller in Mike Waters.
During the 1980's and 1990's, SSBDG conducted a programme of over 100 monthly bush dances at Sutherland. These involved a variety of musicians, bush bands and callers and were along the style of a 'family' dance. Often the 'littlies' snuggled up after supper whilst Mum n Dad and other 'oldies' continued dancing.
Between 1988 and 2000 members performed numerous public demonstrations of Australian bush dancing at various festivals/venues. These demonstrations always sought to include public participation. Since 1985, members have been actively involved in assisting with / participating in other folk groups' Festivals, dances and workshops. With the assistance of the Sutherland Shire Council, local papers and radio, and through these activities, SSBDG has introduced hundreds of people of all ages to the pleasure and fun of Australia's colonial heritage of dance, music and song.