Today, Scots will be whirling their kilts and skirts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Balmoral Scottish Dancing Club.
The club was formed on January 15, 1957, and, while the celebration may be a bit late, it will be marked by a public dance at the Eveline Church Hall tomorrow starting at 4pm, which also happens to be 50 years since the club held its first public dance.
Yvonne Plant is a fan of the reels, jigs and strathspeys at the weekly dances still held by the club.
As a 21-year-old nurse, she joined the club in 1965 when she came to Oamaru, walking down from the nurses' home at the Oamaru Hospital to the club nights in the former National Party rooms in Steward St.
Apart from a few years in the 1970s, Mrs Plant has been a member ever since.
She has also been a tutor since the late 1970s.
"I started dancing because my body was good at it.
The appeal is the people, the music and the social aspects.
It uses a lot of energy and is good for the posture."
Audrey Couper joined the club in 1962.
Although no longer a member - "age caught up with me" - she is considering going back to weekly club nights on Wednesdays or mornings on Mondays.
"I saw a demonstration and I decided that's for me," she said.
Mrs Couper said Scottish dancing was a great way to meet people.
"You can dance anywhere in the world.
It's easy to pack your dancing shoes," she said.
