Summary

Dance programme for a 'Grand Spring Carnival', held by the Victorian Council Against War in 1934. Although the programme is not dated, it has been identified as an event held at the Brunswick Town Hall on 19 September 1934. The program was printed by the Starlight Press.

The Lalor Call newspaper announced on 6 September 1934 that 'The Victorian Council Against War is holding a grand spring carnival of dancing in the Brunswick Town Hall on Wednesday, September 19. There will bo dancing in three halls to two special carnival orchestras - modern dancing in the main hall and old-time dancing in the foyer and supper-room. Dancing; contests, competitions, beautiful girl and ugly man competitions, and novelties of all kinds will be held. All are invited to attend this great social event. The price of admission is 2/-, which admits you to all halls, and to join in all contests and competitions. Tickets can be procured from the organiser, W. H. Nugent, Room 29, 4th Floor, Bourke House, corner Bourke and Russell streets, city.' The Workers' Weekly (7 Sep 1934) described the event as a 'Victorian Anti-War Dance' to 'raise funds for congress'. There was room for 2,500 dancers, and 'every one cannot help having the time of their lives since the Brunswick Town Hall cannot be bettered in Melbourne.'

The donor enjoyed going to dances before she was married in 1935. She recalled in a 1989 interview that 'I used to dance three or four times a week at least... ballroom dancing, modern dancing, old-time dancing... I went by myself. Most of the girls went by themselves, used to stand around and the boys used to line across the room like wallflowers and you'd stand hoping someone would ask you for a dance and as I was a good dancer I had a good time.' (p.1439)

Physical Description

Single page dance programme, folded vertically to form four pages. Printed in dark blue, on light blue paper. The programme is actually an advertisement, offering ticket at 2/-. The programme includes waltz and fox-trot championships, and dress and beauty prizes.

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