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Merrill Hall, Asilomar, Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar Dance Weekend
Nov 1
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Asilomar whispers where the sea meets the land,
Waves lace the shore with a gentle hand.
A refuge carved in mist and pine,
Nature’s grace, both wild and fine."
~ Asilomar Autumn
If you're lucky enough to be attending this year's Asilomar Scottish Dancing Weekend in beautiful Pacific Grove, California, Happy Dancing! Asilomar Hall, part of the Asilomar Conference Grounds in beautiful Pacific Grove, California, was designed in the early 20th century by renowned architect Julia Morgan, also known for her work on Hearst Castle. Originally commissioned by the YWCA in 1913 as a retreat for young women, Asilomar translates to "refuge by the sea" in Spanish, embodying the tranquil setting Morgan envisioned. The grounds reflect Arts and Crafts design principles, with an emphasis on natural materials like redwood and stone that harmonize with the coastal landscape. Asilomar Hall itself has hosted various events, from educational seminars to cultural celebrations, and is cherished as a site for annual Scottish country dances and balls, where dancers come dressed in traditional attire, preserving and celebrating Scottish heritage against the picturesque backdrop of Pacific Grove’s coastal beauty. Several tribute dances has been devised for this weekend and locale including this lovely This dance was premiered at the 1985 Asilomar Weekend’s Saturday Night Ball and references the cooling sands where dancers often to to watch the waves and cool their dancing feet and maybe spot one of the straggler Monarch butterflies, who famously break their journey and rest in the eucalyptus trees on their annual migration! 🕺 💃 👣 🏖️ 🌊 🦋
Sands of Asilomar
The Asilomar Conference Grounds, nestled along the Pacific coastline of Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, California, has a rich history that began in the early 20th century. Established as a retreat and conference center, it was initially created by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) to provide a venue for leadership training and personal growth for young women. The word "Asilomar" is derived from Spanish, meaning "Refuge by the Sea," reflecting the site’s purpose as a peaceful and secluded gathering place.
In 1913, the YWCA commissioned renowned architect Julia Morgan, the first woman licensed as an architect in California, to design the Asilomar grounds. Known for her work on Hearst Castle, Morgan brought a unique Arts and Crafts design to the Asilomar buildings, emphasizing harmony with the natural landscape and using local materials like redwood and stone. Her designs featured spacious, airy interiors with open-beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces, and large windows that allowed abundant natural light. Morgan's work included structures like Merrill Hall, the Social Hall, and various lodges, all of which embody a rustic elegance. Today, these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are celebrated as examples of early California architecture.
Asilomar was an important site for various YWCA events, drawing young women from across the country. However, during World War II, it was briefly repurposed as a military training center. After the war, it returned to its original function as a conference ground. In the 1950s and 60s, Asilomar expanded its role as a center for various conferences, welcoming groups focused on arts, sciences, and social causes. The change reflected a broader move away from exclusive YWCA use to a community-oriented center for educational, social, and environmental gatherings.
In 1956, the State of California purchased Asilomar from the YWCA and incorporated it into the California State Parks system. Managed by the state, Asilomar continued to host a variety of organizations, conferences, and educational retreats. The site’s serene environment and proximity to the Pacific Ocean made it especially popular with environmental groups, including the groundbreaking 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, which set the foundation for modern biotechnology guidelines.
Today, Asilomar Conference Grounds continues as a state park and retreat center, managed by California State Parks in partnership with a concessionaire. Its legacy as a place of learning, reflection, and connection endures, with many of Morgan’s original buildings still in use, preserved as testaments to both her vision and the enduring role of Asilomar as a “Refuge by the Sea.”
For more on the Scottish Dance Weekend, click the picture of the beautiful coastline.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
