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Asilomar Grand Ball Night
Nov 2
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"By Asilomar’s shore, where soft fog weaves,
And ancient pines guard autumn’s quiet eves,
We thread through reels, as Merrill’s magic grows,
Lingering beyond the night in memory’s gentle glow."
This reel, The Magic Of Merrill, devised by Lyle Ramshaw from the San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS, is both a favourite and signature dance for annual Asilomar Scottish Dance Weekend. The dancing hall in Asilomar Conference Center, located in beautiful Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California, is named Merrill Hall after Mary Sroufe Merrill (1853-1924), who became Asilomar's first director in 1913. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) San Francisco Branch has been hosting Scottish dance weekends at Asilomar since October 6-8, 1967. The inaugural workshop was organized by John Kelly, Will Kinsey, and Fred Sommer, featuring teachers Pauline Barnes, Mary Brandon, and C. Stewart Smith. Music for the formal ball in Nautilus Hall was provided by Jack Rennie’s Thistle Highland Dance Band! Saturday's workshops conclude with the evening's formal ball and after parties! This weekend attracts dancers from around the world. Decades of magic, indeed! 🕺 💃 🎉 🥳 🥂 🪄 🎩
The Magic of Merrill
The Asilomar Scottish Dance Weekend, a cherished tradition of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) San Francisco Branch, has been a cornerstone of the Scottish dance community for over six decades. Its origins trace back to October 6-8, 1967, when the first workshop was organized by John Kelly, Will Kinsey, and Fred Sommer at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. Esteemed instructors Pauline Barnes, Mary Brandon, and C. Stewart Smith led the sessions, with music provided by Jack Rennie’s Thistle Highland Dance Band for the formal ball in Nautilus Hall.
Since its inception, the Asilomar Weekend Workshop has evolved into a premier event, attracting dancers from across the globe. Typically held in the fall, the weekend commences on Friday evening with a welcome dance and ceilidh, fostering camaraderie among participants. Saturday features dance classes during the day, culminating in a formal ball and social gathering in the historic Merrill Hall, a masterpiece designed by Julia Morgan. The weekend concludes with additional classes on Sunday morning.
The Asilomar Conference Grounds, a California State Park and National Historic Landmark, provide a picturesque setting for the event. Nestled on the Monterey Peninsula, the venue offers a serene environment that enhances the overall experience for attendees.
Over the years, the Asilomar Scottish Dance Weekend has become a hallmark of the RSCDS San Francisco Branch, embodying the spirit of Scottish country dancing and fostering a sense of community among dancers worldwide.
For more about this fabulous weekend, click the photo of Merrill Hall!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
