The Living Rivers Dance, or Dance for Rivers, on Saturday 11th March 2000 was a wonderful night of dancing, music and fun.

Some 60 people celebrated our vital rivers with two of Hobart's top dance bands.  The first half of the night was filled with vibrant traditional Tasmanian tunes and 19th Century Australian dances from the Buttoneers - many thanks to Fred, Stuart, Louise, Nigel, and Michael.

Ian Paulin sang us two of his characteristically thoughtful, human songs before we enjoyed an ample supper provided by the dancers.

However, even the supper and much needed cups of tea couldn't keep people away when the Irish Question started tuning up, and it wasn't long before people were tripping (sometimes literally) their way through various ceili dances to the lively Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes of the Irish Question.  Luke, Fred, Kathy, Camille and Mairtin gave us fantastic music, and the dancers responded with great enthusiasm.

A group of young Irish step dancers delighted the crowd with their beautiful costumes and intricate steps as they demonstrated their reels and jigs.

Thanks to the bands, the young Irish dancers, Ian Paulin, the hall decorators (who made a marvellous river of blue cloth and river creatures across one corner of the hall), the door staff, the Folk Federation of Tasmania and all others who helped to make such an inspiring (and exhausting) night.

David Wanless and Cathy Hutchinson
Living Rivers Dance Organisers.