1996 - 2006

The fourth decade of the Ottawa Branch continued to be an active time for the Branch despite some early challenges. Due to rising cost for school space rental and HQ fees, the membership fees had to be increased a few times. The members still felt, as we do, that Scottish Country Dancing is a great bargain! Membership did dip in the early years to a low of 190 but rebounded to 245 members by the end of the decade.

The regular social events of dances, workshops and balls attracted an enthusiastic attendance. The 1998 annual ball was held for the last time at the Chateau Laurier (they carpeted the ballroom!) so the remaining balls of the decade were held at the Congress Centre (now the Rogers Centre). The Jones Falls workshop celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2002 but sadly had its final session two years later in 2004.

There were some new activities that were initiated in this time. One was the Gatineau Gathering - a day of golf, dining and dancing that became an annual fall event in 1999. Summer Dancing in the park, which had been popular in earlier years, was revived with dancing in the bandshell at Andrew Hayden park. 

One of the most intersting and unique activities of this decade was Dragon Boat racing! Enthusiastic volunteers in the Branch put together a team of rowers to compete in the annual city dragon boat races in 2000 and 2001. They didn't win but the 'Dancing Dragons' did raise money for charity and spread the word about Scottish Country Dancing both on and off the water!

On a technical note, this decade marked the transition of music from tapes to CDs and the branch purchased its first CD player. Our website rscdsottawa.ca, was established in 1999 and bulletins started to be available online in 2002.

Finally, of course, 2006 marked the 40th anniversary of the Branch. There were many activities to celebrate this milestone - a special 40th workshop, a fun ceilidh show 'Here's Tae Us' (produced by Charlie of course), a history book, and a special Ruby Ball held at the Congress Centre. And to round it off, there was a special demonstration event 'Dancing to the Carillon' on Parliament hill.

Sources: Ottawa Branch bulletins - 1996-2006.

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