Fonds AM1677 - Vancouver International Folk Dancers (VIFD) fonds

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Vancouver International Folk Dancers (VIFD) fonds

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  • Textual record
  • Photograph

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on name of creator.

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Fonds

Reference code

AM1677

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Physical description

1.9 m of textual records
35 photographs

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Name of creator

(1959-2015)

Administrative history

The Vancouver International Folk Dancers (VIFD) was formed in 1959 with the objective of learning and teaching international folk dancing in Vancouver. The founding members were Patricia Paice Treadwell, and Beryl and Len Sawyer. When they met four other folk dancing friends at Sawyers’ home in January 1959, they decided to form the Vancouver International Folk Dancers. They were the first international folk dancing group in Vancouver at that time. The group had 12 members (Gwen and Eric Pearson, John and Norah Hemingway, Margit Hansen, Harold Kristensen, Peter Cox, Maitland Carter, Irene Howard, Beryl and Len Sawyer and Patricia Treadwell) in the first year and taught 31 dances. The membership fee was 25 cents per night. Dancing was held in the Sawyers’ basement.

In January 1960, VIFD moved from the Sawyers’ basement to the Kerrisdale Community Centre. As the popularity of folk dance grew, VIFD met twice a week – Mondays for beginners and Thursdays for intermediate dancers. In 1961, the Vancouver Parks Board asked the club to provide instruction for the Dancing in the Park program, held in Stanley Park. Since then, VIFD has been introducing people to folk dancing on Tuesday nights at the Ceperley playground in Stanley Park. VIFD has also performed for the Vancouver Folk Society Festival, and has organized many festivals, dance parties and workshops of its own.

By the turn of 21st century, the popularity of recreational folk dancing waned in Vancouver. However, VIFD still hosts a Christmas party with live music in early December and dance sessions in Stanley Park in summer.

Custodial history

Scope and content

The fonds consists primarily of records documenting the operation of the Vancouver International Folk Dancers (VIFD) from 1959 to 2015. Records reflect the major functions and activities involved in running the VIFD, including program planning and delivery, management of the group, internal and external communications, and financial management. Types of documentation include meeting minutes, correspondence, administrative files, financial reports and statements, program files, newsletters and photographs.

The fonds is arranged into the following series: Administrative files (1979-2015), Program files (1959-1999), Minutes and financial statements (1983-2004), Membership records (1969-2004), Newsletters ( 1979-2000) and Club files (1959-1983).

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Immediate source of acquisition

Donated by Susan Pinkham, president of Vancouver International Dancers, in 2015.

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  • English

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