Signatures 109 total
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Name: David Hornett on Feb 23, 2010Comments: The best thing about the NFF has been its treatment of dancing, it tones the festival like no other: and I don't even dance!!Flag
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Name: Deanna Devers on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Alienate your traditional supporters and you may quickly find the NFF on the way down, or worse, become little more than a listening festival, the quality of the music judged on the proficiency of the sound engineers and the static filling of audience seats: and that is hardly folk.Flag
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Name: Lynette Baggs on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Why else go to the Festival, if not to experience our national culture?Flag
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Name: Carol Rowe on Feb 23, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Nesa Simon on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Please!!!!!!! - Reinstate the Coorong as a dance venue - Reinstate the Colonial Ball to the NFF Programme - Reinstate a full Colonial/Celtic Dance Programme to the NFF The government should be encouraging people to be active and dance, instead of encouraging them to sit passively thus contributing to heart disease1!!!!!!!!Flag
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Name: Phillip Evans on Feb 23, 2010Comments: It is australian cultural/traditional dance that draws us to the folk festival. We believe many dance forms from a variety of cultures should be at the NFF, but Australian dance must retain priority.Flag
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Name: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Please re-instate the coorong but please, fix the acoustics as well. The sound in there was shocking!Flag
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Name: Meegan Lea on Feb 23, 2010Comments: bring back the harp irish dancers!!!Flag
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Name: Tully Dingle on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Even with dancing aside, Coorong would make an awful (albeit massive) music venue . . but the Coorong ALWAYS is popular with Learned Dancers, Dancers trying new dances, and of course newcomers to it all. All the balls, keeping in many ways the traditional styles and values are an integral part of a "NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL . . " . . .Come on!Flag
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Name: Marilyn Russell on Feb 23, 2010Comments: Please keep the Australian dance content in the "Australian" National Folk Festival.Flag
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Name: Leila Desbrough on Feb 23, 2010Comments: If it is the National Folk Festival then all traditional events need to be included.Flag
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Name: Narelle Northwood on Feb 23, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Steve Lockwood on Feb 23, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Mark Snell on Feb 24, 2010Comments: I support the petition (of course). However, I wonder whether something more needs to be done. This problem seems to me to be caused by the fact that the National Folk Festival is no longer part of the folk movement in Australia, but an independent commercial (even if non-profit) operation. This business has its own agenda, which is primarily focussed on building its empire through responding to consumer demand and a section of the entertainment industry rather than the folk movement. Its organisers are paid employees who now are looking to their careers in the events industry, rather than having real jobs that allow them to pursue an interest in folk. The NFF is not alone in this. Many larger non-profit organisations have been hijacked by their staff in recent years, as people have no longer had the time or energy to devote to their causes, and participation in voluntary organisations generally wanes. It is reflected in the number of mutual organisations and co-operatives that have been demutualised in favour of corporate structures over the last few years, and the number of incorporated associations that have recently been shut down by the Office of Fair Trading. What distinguishes the folk movement is the opportunity for, and priority given to, unpaid participation over passive entertainment by paid performers. I think we are battling this trend to passive entertainment, as much as fighting to retain traditional Australian dancing - which no doubt is seen as anachronistic and as spoiling the image of the festival in the eyes of its most profitable market sector. I think this issue should also be taken up with each of the state Folk Federations. And I am thinking that the Festival itself is a good opportunity to raise the issue quite publicly, with both low-key and high profile protest action. Among the possibilities: * T-Shirts - Where's the Dance at the NFF? * Street surveys - Do clipboard surveys of festival attendees; maybe focus these on attendees at events at the Coorong * Folk Alliance - AGM to be held at NFF - enrol enough members to put up a motion * Protest at opening and closing ceremonies - walk in front of stage with placards, maybe grab the mike for a minute or two All the best MarkFlag
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Name: Trish Barker on Feb 24, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Robert Greig on Feb 24, 2010Comments: That's the best dance venue there. And it couldn't be worse than 'assembled' floors with raised lips to trip on!Flag
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Name: Ruth Halliwell on Feb 24, 2010Comments: Very disappointed in the direction that the dance program is taking at our national Folk Festival. While we welcome talent from overseas this our chance to participate & to demonstrate our dances on a national basis.Flag
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Name: Barbara Court on Feb 24, 2010Comments: The dance program at the 2010 NFF is a disgrace and the decision to move away from the Celtic tradition is very sad. Canberra has a first class Mulitcultural Festival and we do not need another, bring back the Colonial Ball and increase the Celtic dance content and also bring back a management that replies to e-mails from dancing folks. Dancing folk I know will be staying away from the NFF in droves because of the very bad dance program.Flag
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Name: Roger Holmes on Feb 24, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Pauline Hayes on Feb 24, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Anne Hayes on Feb 24, 2010Comments: Please reinstate Australian/Celtic content at the National - this is a large part of the culture and where a lot of Australian's have come from - let's be inclusive of all types of culture. Dropping one large component at the expense of introducing other cultural types is not being inclusive as the cultural policy of the National states. There are a lot of Australian/Celtic dancers in this country still, we enjoy the National immensely, why penalise us because of our heritage? The Colonial Ball at the National is a huge event and attracts a large number of participants - I would understand it being cut if it had dwindling popularity - but it doesn't. Why was the Colonial Ball dropped despite two applications? Please reinstate it and please reinstate the Coorong as a dance venue - participation is a great tradition at the National - it is not just a festival for those who wish to sit back and watch others performing. There is still a great need for events to cater to those who like to join in. Who is the new cultural diversity programme catering for? Has there been a call for less Australian/Celtic content? Have there been petitions to stop the Colonial Ball and have there been people who have been offended by it? Please reinstate the Ball and the Coorong as a dance venue. Reinstate a full Colonial/Celtic Dance programme at the NFF. Regards Anne HayesFlag
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Name: Anna Bourke on Feb 24, 2010Comments: Why attempt to fix something that is not broken? The NFF has always had a balanced mix and range of musical genres on offer in the times I have attended. The Colonial Ball is a spectacular vista and a festival highlight for many.Flag
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Name: Des Buchhorn on Feb 25, 2010Comments: I strongly object to the proposed changes to the National Folk Festival. This has been the most significant dance festival in the country and it should be fostered as such. It has been built up over the years by people who wanted dance and anglo-celtic music and should not be tampered with. If other cultural influences do come in organically that is a different story.Flag
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Name: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2010Comments: Nobody I've spoken to up this way is terribly impressed with the NFF organisation this year. I'm not going to bother going this year, in part due to the cut in the dance programme, which for me was a big draw. I just don't think it's worth the substantial drive down. Several others I've spoken to have also decided to give it a miss, some for this reason, but also your pricing given on the web leaves a nasty taste behind. When you price your ticket, for heaven's sake just include your cost of issuing it, delivery etc. You look like airline advertisements with your additions for this and additions for that. .Flag
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Name: Linda Scharf on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The main reason we go to the national is for dancing. All forms. Celtic and Multicultural. Keep the Celtic programme and include master class as was the case a number of years ago. Increase multicultural dance not at the expense of Celtic dancing.Flag
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Name: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2010Comments: I would like to understand why there is less dance. Although I am not a dancer, I enjoy going along nad having a go. I always admire the effort people who love it put in to the costumes and the pomp of the colonial ball. That's the kind of effort that makes the Festival. I don't know what is meant by a 'full C/C Dance Prog", but I trust that Roger would have te best interests of Dance at heart and needs more discussion with you on the matter. If it is not possible this year, then please consider our request for next year.Flag
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Name: Diana Pascoe on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: David Poole on Feb 25, 2010Comments: I had not been to THE NATIONAL for a number of years but I really enjoyed the dancing at the Coorong. The Colonial/Celtic flavour drew me to Canberra instead of Woodford. Too many festivals are becoming International music festivals and losing the traditional character that has attracted many people of my age group (60)Flag
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Name: Jennifer Richards on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Judy Casey on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The Colonial Ball, in particular, is a most spectacular event. In recent years scores of others, non-devotees of the Anglo-Celtic tradition, have joined in and integrated well - making it a new cultural experience for them.Flag
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Name: Keith Barrett on Feb 25, 2010Comments: If it is supposed to be a "Multiculural Event" why is largest segment of our community deemed to be not worthy of being there. If this type of discrimination were levelled at any other group it would be called racist.Flag
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Name: Hilary Barrett on Feb 25, 2010Comments: Don't deny the next generation a slice of their heritage because of Political Correctness!Flag
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Name: Josephine Evans on Feb 25, 2010Comments: There are already plenty of Multicultural festivals with plenty of financial support . They are important but so is the older historical heretage of Australia, which gets very little attention. Dance is important too, and doesn't get its fair share of exposure. Josephine EvansFlag
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Name: Walter Bolliger on Feb 25, 2010Comments: -I'm disappointed that the NFF has chosen to move away from an Anglo/Celtic festival. -There are already many "multicultural events" at which there is minimal or token Anglo/Celtic content.Flag
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Name: Vic Blake on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The NFF actions which focus on embracing other countries cultures in preference to the Australian traditional heritage which comprises mostly of the Anglo influence is diluting our history and our culture for our future generations. Already Australian traditonal folk dances have long been removed from school curriculums. Already the vast populations of young people have never heard or appreciated Australian folk songs and poetry except for Waltzing Matilda & I'm sure they don't now who wrote it. This is an appalling indictment on our society. Those from eastern Europe, Africa, the middle east, the orient and other areas skill their children in the traditions and cultures of their ancestors. Australian authorities and now the NFF appear to reject and shun our traditional heritage to be political correct . Migrants and immigrants need to learn and understand the culture of the country they have chosen to call home, we are after all ...all Australians. There are many festivals through out the land which celebrate the cultures of other countries There are few if any which celebrate the culture of the Australian history of our forefathers our founders and the builders of our nation. Read the history of Australia be proud of it and promote the Australian heritage before others, after all if you go to their country it is their culture that will dominate.Flag
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Name: Jennie Simpson on Feb 25, 2010Comments: As a dancer, my main reason for supporting the National Folk Festival each year (apart from my family having grown up around the National, and now perfroming regularly at The National, and having perfromed there many times my self) is to dance, and make contact each year with the wonderful dancers around Australia. The National is unique in that it is the only nationally based festival that has truly supported dance. I have assisted Shirley Andrews, Lucy Stockdale and Peter Ellis in the past at dance events and in dance collection and performance, am an active member of the Victorian Folk Music Club and have an ongoing connection with the Nariel Creek Dance Band - all of which had and have a great influence on the National Festival. In past years due to the persistance of younger members of the dance scene wanting to become part of this tradition - I helped form the dance group Borderline Kaylee. I am absolutely distaught at the idea of taking away the Coorong as a dance venue and the Colonial Ball. I have played at three extremely successful COlonial Balls (run by Victoria), MCed two and attended many wonderful colonial balls. The nights are unique - hundreds of dancers from around Australia carry massive and elaborate costumes on aeroplanes, in backpacks and in trailers - just to participate in the night. Even more people watch the event from the balcony - for its beauty and extragance. The dancing is amazingly beautiful just to watch from above. In Melbourne we have had some wondrful themed Colonial Balls - attracting young people and dancers from many traditions. Surely we should be honouring the dancing tradition of the National and extending and allowing the dancing to grow - rather than shoving it aside. There are many hundreds of concert based folk festivals around Australia. The same artists appear at most of them - we see them again and again (at Woodford, Port Fairy etc etc) The National is unique in its participatory nature and its celebration of the dance heritage and future directions of Australian dance. DON"T DESTROY THAT!!!!! IT"S WORTH IT TO FIX THE FLOOR IN THE COORONG!!! Ask for donations from the dancers! Run a major raffle! Move some of the less popular events OUT of the Budawang (many "big name" or overseas artists attract very small audiences yet have gigs at the Budawang - maybe just for its prestige.) If you asked around the folkies who attend the festival each year, they would be able to tell you the concert events people can never get in to - Martin Pearson, Mal Webb, Taikoz, Christina Olsen, Les Barker, Vin Garbutt, Trouble in the Kitchen - have all packed out smaller venues. The paying punters LOVE THEM! They NEED to be in the Budawang!!! The smaller venues can handle the obscure but famous artists from O/seas that only hardened folkies will go to see - but who all seem to end up in the Budawang. In fact MANY performers seem to get a nominal gig at the Budawang to a virtually empty auditorium. Leave the COORONG FOR THE DANCERS!! The Coorong has excellent change facilities - all of which are packed out for up to 2 hours before a ball - with men and women being transformed into gentlemen and ladies ready for a great night of dancing! Many people have been introduced to dancing though these events - its SOCIAL dancing! The National is the only festival in Australia where you can experience such a rich tradition of dance. PLEASE honour Shirley Andrews, Lucy Stockdale and many many others who have worked so hard for folk dancing in this country. Don't let us down. Don't let the next generation of dancers and dance musicians down. You will be doing a far greater injustice than you can ever imagine. Be creative. Be supportive to those who have supported our National Festival for so many years. Yours Musically, Jennie SimpsonFlag
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Name: Iain McLean on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Declan Simpson on Feb 25, 2010Comments: I'm not much of a dancer myself, im more into playing tunes, but at the national, particularly at the colonial and scottish balls at the coorong i always spare time to dance and i enjoy it immensely. My parents have been in the dance/folk scene for years and brought us up as musicians and dancers and have attended the festival since i was born. The dance aspect of the national is very important to SO many people who regularly attend the nash, and to take away its main venue and events will impact highly on the 'community' and 'friendly' vibe the national uniquely posesses. I was part of a dance group called borderline kaylee which was encouraging youth to get into dancing, the national is a place for these people to meet others who are into dancing and continue the tradition. i hope groups like this will still be able to function and thrive at the national as it is has the best 'dance' aspect to any festival ive ever been to.Flag
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Name: Claire Alleway on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The National's extensive dance program is what makes the festival brilliant and unique. Each Coorong dance is a social event which encourages people of all ages and abilities to interact, participate and share skills. Participation and interaction creates the distinct community and family atmosphere of the festival; it is foolish to remove a venue and culture which so strongly promote this atmosphere.Flag
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Name: Kit Joyce on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Jeremy Sibson on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Dianne Davie on Feb 25, 2010Comments:Flag
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Name: Janette Mattingley on Feb 25, 2010Comments: I agree with everything above. There is NO WAY the other 2 proposed venues will be large enough to support the bigger dances or workshops.Flag
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Name: Geoff Le Blanc on Feb 25, 2010Comments: As a Musician who has played for dances many times in the Coorong during the National, I feel that this venue is a unique and special place. I feel that it, and the Session Bar should gain 'National Heritage' Listing for their extraordinary importance to Australia's cultural Heritage. In the US in Louisianna, in the town of Eunice, an old Cinema has been converted into a 'Grand Ole' Opry' style live culture show which goes to air. The acts include Music, Dancing, Storytelling, cooking tips and comedy...all with an emphasis on preserving the Folklife heritage of the people from that place...the Cajuns and the AfroAmerican people who share it, and have done for 200years. This Cinema, and the Show are classified as a part of the 'Jean Lafitte' National Park, as is the heritage centre/museum next door. Well... if the Americans can get it right, well why can't we? Surely a listing as a National Park for the whole festival site would be appropriate for the duration of the Festival. Upgrading and preserving the diversity and quality of all aspects of the site are critical to the long term survival of one of our greatest national assets...the National Folk Festival. Oh, and we should stop recorded music being used for dances too. This is totally inappropriate to the spirit of the festival, and an actual insult to the community of Musicians without whom the Festival would cease to exist!Flag
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Name: Mark Dabbs on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The crowds that the NFF attracts has ben following the festival for many years. The support of the dancers and large crowds attracted by the dancers alone speaks volumes for keeping the dances the same. Yes, there is room for other dance types. But if the present dance types are remomved the following of dancers and "folkies" will disapper for ever. This would be a grave concern for our heritage. I have felt for a long time that the NFF is being organised by a bunch of musicians who really do not see dancing as any part the past history of Australia. This is not the case. As a dance community we see all that the NFF is doing is trying to "write us out". start adding the numbers of people who would continue to come if the dance types changed. Very small if not nil. At the balls there are 100's of particpants. All these would stop. Is not the National FOLK festival about the national heritage? The change in venue is nothing short of saying "get lost we don't want you". Continue along these lines and I am sure the 30 plus in my grpoup will stop support the NFF. We will also pass on these bad vibe's to others. Not good publicity.Flag
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Name: Michelle Cobb on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The NFF would be wise to realise that the dancers that attend this event make up for a very good number of attendees throughout the whole festival.Flag
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Name: Sandra Edmonds on Feb 25, 2010Comments: The Colonial Ball is as much of a drawcard as the Trade Union Concert. What a shame to cancel it and make such radical changes to the dance component of the NFF without clearly calling attention to the fact that this was happening in the ticketing information. Misleading conduct really. I have enjoyed participating in many multicutural dance options at past NFFs - jewish, greek, baltic, danish, turkish, apalachian, tango, belly dancing etc etc etc. What rubbish to set up a straw-dog contest between Colonial/Celtic and multicultural dance.Flag
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Name: Jill Watson on Feb 26, 2010Comments: The NFF has long enjoyed a reputation as a great festival for dancers, offering more variety, and more good venues for large dance events than any other folk festival. I have attended many dances at the Coorong, and fail to understand what safety problem there could be. It is definitely far safer than dancing in a marquee! The Colonial ball has long been a highlight of the festival, and those who attend go to a great deal of effort fitting themselves out with beautiful costumes. It is very sad to learn that this special event has been removed from the program. There are more than enough music events already - please don't sacrifice dancing to accommodate "more of the same". (Don't forget, "So You Think You Can Dance" is greatly out-rating "Australian Idol". ) - DANCE MATTERS!Flag
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Name: Mary Brettell on Feb 26, 2010Comments: How on earth you can cancel the Colonial Ball at the NFF is totally beyond me! Is it not well attended? What a ridiculous idea... and the Coorong is an ideal venue!Flag
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Name: Carole De Fraga on Feb 26, 2010Comments: What we hear regarding NFF dance programme deveopments is very disappointing.Flag