The Waiotahe Hall floorboards will soon be put to good use for a dance with both Scottish and Kiwi flair.

Scottish Country Dancing Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki are holding their yearly tea dance next Saturday, August 24, at 12:30pm, and we’re all invited.

Club president Victoria Radley said this year’s dances had been specially chosen to celebrate the Kiwi take on Scottish Country Dance, with all of the dances on the programme devised by New Zealanders.

“There have been so many wonderful dances created by Kiwis and we thought we would honour that this year,” Radley said.

“The dances all have stories behind them as well, like Pelorus Jack” which was named after the dolphin who was famous for meeting and escorting ships in the Marlborough Sounds.

“It was devised by Barry Skelton and the dance mimics the diving and playing of the dolphin around the sounds – and it’s so much fun to dance, or even just to watch. And all of the other dances are equally fun.

“We’ve also picked out some music by New Zealand Scottish dance band Twisty Willow for some of the dances, so that’s some additional Kiwi goodness – plus the music is amazing.”

Entry is $15 for dancers but spectators are welcome to come along for free.

“There will be raffles and a scrumptious afternoon tea to share,” Ms Radley said, “and everyone is most welcome to come along and join in the fun.”

KIWI STYLE: Scottish Country Dancers in the Hamilton Gardens last year.