Square Dancing - Try it Today, Love it for Life
Tuesday nights
NOTTING HILL, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
ABOUT JAYBEE SQUARE WHEELERS
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The club began as Jaybee Squares on 16th May 1984, when Jack Burgess took over Graeme Breydon’s club in Chapel Street, St Kilda. The new club, which derived its name from Jack’s initials, prospered for some time at St Kilda until the hall was demolished and the dance moved to Glenhuntly. The move resulted in the loss of some regular members so a beginners' class was conducted but without great success. Then a demonstration dance was conducted at the Wheelers Hill Uniting Church hall with such success that Jack was asked to organise regular dances there. He did this on a fortnightly basis. At the same time, the Glenhuntly based club was not progressing as desired so members agreed to close this club and establish the dance at Wheelers Hill.
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The new club was established as the Jaybee Square Wheelers Square Dance Club on 10th June 1987 with a significant difference in that a committee administered the club with members having the final decision in all Club activities. The club flourished until September 1988, when Jack had a heart attack and died. This was a big shock to the club, which could have folded, but the committee decided to keep dancing utilising the talents of various callers until a permanent replacement for Jack could be found.
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On 16th May 1989, Mike Davey took over as caller and the club has not looked back. The dance moved from Wheelers Hill to a church hall in Glen Waverley and then to the current home at Notting Hill. It now operates with the best square dance caller, Mike Davey, the best round dance cuer, Pat Saunder, and an effective and enthusiastic committee of dancers.
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In 2007 a new family arrived to learn to dance - Colin and Lesley Collyer brought their young daughter, Laurina. Little did we know that within a few years, Laurina would learn to call under the guidance of Mike. With her amazing voice and friendly personality, it wasn't long before Laurina joined Mike and Pat as a member of the calling / cueing team.
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Mike and Laurina conduct regular square dance beginner classes and plus classes. The Club dances mainstream each Tuesday evening with a few rounds. Birthday and Christmas party dances and other special events are conducted. Non-dance outings are also arranged and the dancers are proud to be members of a great club.