In October 2001 our Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with a banquet at Chopin
Hall. There was a catered dinner for the members, past and present, and it gave
everyone the opportunity to renew acquaintances and friendships of earlier years.
There was even some cueing from Roly Bourdon and Bill Burton (who haven't lost
their touch!) Below are some photos of the affair, some "memory lane"
shots of the past 30 years, and some memories from former Club cuers..
Beginnings...
1971-1985
Guy and Vera Jones
"We started teaching Round Dancing on the south shore in 1969 with two couples from Square Dancing and two other couples who danced socially. This small group began to grow in size. In 1971 we moved the main group to Pointe claire, but still had four couples on the South Shore. The group on the South Shore gradually took off and we decided to become a club. The dancers chose the name from a list of suggestions and I designed the badge. We officially became the Melody Mixers on November 29th,1972... the first club in the Montreal area."
"We started teaching Round Dancing on the south shore in 1969 with two couples from Square Dancing and two other couples who danced socially. This small group began to grow in size. In 1971 we moved the main group to Pointe claire, but still had four couples on the South Shore. The group on the South Shore gradually took off and we decided to become a club. The dancers chose the name from a list of suggestions and I designed the badge. We officially became the Melody Mixers on November 29th,1972... the first club in the Montreal area."
1985-1988
George & Pauline Morgan
"Your e-mail spawned several hours of happy reminiscing of the people we know who, like us, had the pleasure of dancing with the Melody Mixers under the tutilage of Vera and Guy Jones. We have over the years really appreciated the thoroughness of their teaching and have tried to emulate their high standards. One of the things which was evident in Montreal and which we enjoy so much is the wonderful people you meet in the round dancing fraternity. We count ourselves fortunate indeed to have taken up an activity some 25 years ago which has afforded us so much pleasure."
"Your e-mail spawned several hours of happy reminiscing of the people we know who, like us, had the pleasure of dancing with the Melody Mixers under the tutilage of Vera and Guy Jones. We have over the years really appreciated the thoroughness of their teaching and have tried to emulate their high standards. One of the things which was evident in Montreal and which we enjoy so much is the wonderful people you meet in the round dancing fraternity. We count ourselves fortunate indeed to have taken up an activity some 25 years ago which has afforded us so much pleasure."
1988-1998
Rolly and Dawn Bourdon
Rollie and Dawn Bourdon were instrumental in bringing dancing 'ballroom style' to Round Dancers both in the club and wherever they taught. They were a well-respected couple in the world of rounds and, of course, in Montreal. A constant student of the details in cuesheets made Rollie a precise teacher. He'd spend hours at home reading, re-reading and working out the steps of figures before he'd teach a dance. His preparation on directions and footwork for both men and ladies made learning a new dance so much easier. Dawn brought glamour and poise to the floor and displayed her natural grace as she flowed through routines. She was a role model to the ladies in the club. Unfortunately, dancing on cement and tiles for so many years gradually caused her knees to suffer. This eventually was a major reason for giving up the club. Rollie and Dawn were known for keeping the Melody Mixers a high-level club. They were pioneers as they exposed Roundalab, URDC, and other organizations to the club which led many dancers to travel and increase their knowledge.
Rollie and Dawn Bourdon were instrumental in bringing dancing 'ballroom style' to Round Dancers both in the club and wherever they taught. They were a well-respected couple in the world of rounds and, of course, in Montreal. A constant student of the details in cuesheets made Rollie a precise teacher. He'd spend hours at home reading, re-reading and working out the steps of figures before he'd teach a dance. His preparation on directions and footwork for both men and ladies made learning a new dance so much easier. Dawn brought glamour and poise to the floor and displayed her natural grace as she flowed through routines. She was a role model to the ladies in the club. Unfortunately, dancing on cement and tiles for so many years gradually caused her knees to suffer. This eventually was a major reason for giving up the club. Rollie and Dawn were known for keeping the Melody Mixers a high-level club. They were pioneers as they exposed Roundalab, URDC, and other organizations to the club which led many dancers to travel and increase their knowledge.
...
and now
1998-present,
Bill and Olga Cibula
And in 1998 Bill and Olga Cibula took over the mike. They had been with the club for several years and now took the reigns. Since then they have been taking the club to new heightsand have become the king and queen of the Montreal round dancing scene.
And in 1998 Bill and Olga Cibula took over the mike. They had been with the club for several years and now took the reigns. Since then they have been taking the club to new heightsand have become the king and queen of the Montreal round dancing scene.
