The Tartan Ball is the highlight of the Toronto dance season. We have created a tradition for which we are justifiably proud.  Since 1964, the RSCDS Toronto Branch has held its gala Tartan Ball, initially in the Canadian Room, and recently in the opulent splendour of the Concert Hall of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto.  We continue this tradition with the 49th Tartan Ball, to be held on February 18, 2012.  You are invited to attend.

    The Tartan Ball is our ball.  It’s an opportunity for us to enjoy a grand evening of entertainment. Much like a Scottish Country Dance, the evening follows a fairly predictable pattern.  The ball comprises standard formations, with the occasional odd twist allowed — very much like a dance. Here’s how the Tartan Ball would look as a dance:

Bars 1-8:    The evening begins. A reception in the foyer provides a chance to greet old friends and meet new ones. Out-of-town dancers are provided with a small tartan ribbon so we may recognize and welcome them. 

Bars 9-16:    Dinner is served. We are ushered to our seats.  The Head Table guests are piped in. An elegant meal follows.

Bars 17-24:    Anticipation mounts. A few words from our Chairman. A few more words from our Guest of Honour. The ballroom is cleared. Dancers don their ghillies while non-dancers retire to the balcony to watch the fun. 

Bars 25-32:     The Grand March. This is really a highlight. All are piped back into the ballroom in a spectacular Grand March.

Bars 33-40:    The dancing begins. The first dance is announced; sets are counted; the band strikes a chord; and the evening’s dance program begins. The fun goes on into the “wee sma’ hours”.

   A ball is simply a marvellous excuse to dress up and enjoy a wonderful evening of good fun, good food, and spending time dancing with your friends and new acquaintances.

    A special welcome is extended to newer dancers who have not yet attended the ball before.  Throughout the dancing season, our teachers prepare us for this ball. The dances for the ball are sprinkled into the monthly dance programs, so there is plenty of opportunity to dance them. Closer to the evening there are special Tartan Ball practices. On the night of the ball, you will be ready. 

    The Tartan Ball Committee is working hard to ensure a grand evening. We are always striving to enhance the camaraderie and enjoyment of the evening. We are delighted that our Guests of Honour at the 49th Tartan Ball will be philanthropist Michael MacMillan and his wife Cathy Spoel.  Michael was honoured with the Scot of the Year Award in 1999. He is a Canadian Titan in the world of entertainment. Michael is the former Chairman and CEO of Alliance Atlantis Communications, which was Canada's largest television and movie production company.  He is co-founder and Chair of Samara, an independent charitable organization, and the co-owner of a vineyard and winery in Prince Edward County. He is currently Executive Chairman of GlassBOX Television and CEO of Blue Ant Media. He is also very proud of his Scottish heritage.

    See you at the ball.

. . . Louis Racic, Tartan Ball Convenor

For further information, please contact:

Convenor: Louis Racic (416) 253-6018      racic@sympatico.ca

Tickets: Jane Robinson (416) 463-5016      janer1@sympatico.ca