1. The Royal Horse Artillery’s Waltz of 1845
The Royal Horse Artillery’s Waltz of 1845
The Royal Horse Artillery was one of the first regiments in the British Army to adopt ballroom dancing as part of its training and entertainment. In 1845, the Royal Horse Artillery commissioned a waltz, which was performed in the mess hall and at military functions. This waltz, known as the ‘Royal Horse Artillery Waltz’, was a popular dance among the officers and was performed at many formal events.
The waltz was composed by the regimental bandmaster, John M. Taylor, and was originally called the ‘RHA Waltz’. It was later renamed the ‘Royal Horse Artillery Waltz’ and is still popular today. The waltz is a lively, three-quarter time dance in the style of a Viennese waltz.
The Legacy of the Royal Horse Artillery Waltz
The Royal Horse Artillery Waltz has had a lasting legacy in the British Army. It is still performed at military balls and other formal occasions, and is a popular choice for couples to dance to at weddings. It is also a popular dance at ballroom dance competitions, with many couples choosing to perform the waltz as part of their routine.
The Royal Horse Artillery Waltz is a reminder of the long history of ballroom dancing in the British Army and its importance in maintaining morale and providing entertainment. It is a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the officers and men of the Royal Horse Artillery and their commitment to the service of their country.
2. The Grand Ball of the Royal Navy in 1848
The Grand Ball of the Royal Navy in 1848
In 1848, the Royal Navy hosted a grand ball in honour of the Duke of Wellington, the victor of the Battle of Waterloo. The ball was held in the Great Hall of the Royal Naval Hospital in Greenwich, London, and was attended by a number of high-ranking officers and their wives.
The Music
The music for the ball was provided by the Royal Marine Band, and the dances included the waltz, the polka, the mazurka, the schottische, the quadrille, and the galop. The orchestra was conducted by the celebrated bandmaster, Mr. Charles Harris.
The Guests
Among the guests present at the ball were the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Uxbridge, and the Earl of Cardigan.
The Entertainment
The evening was also filled with entertainment, with performances by the Royal Marine Band, as well as a number of singers and dancers. The guests were also treated to a display of fireworks, which lit up the night sky.
The Aftermath
The Grand Ball of the Royal Navy was a grand success, and was widely reported in the newspapers of the day. It was a fitting celebration of the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo, and a reminder of the importance of ballroom dancing in British military history.
3. Queen Victoria’s Ballroom Dancing Ban in 1849
3. Queen Victoria’s Ballroom Dancing Ban in 1849
In 1849, Queen Victoria issued a ban on ballroom dancing in the British Army. The ban was issued as a reaction to the increasing popularity of the art form, and was seen as a way to maintain discipline and order in the ranks.
The ban was highly unpopular with the soldiers, who viewed ballroom dancing as a way to let off steam and relax. Despite this, the ban remained in place until 1881, when it was finally lifted.
The Impact of the Ban
The ban had a significant impact on the development of ballroom dancing in the British Army. It meant that the soldiers were unable to take part in the popular dance form, and so it was not as widely practiced as it could have been.
However, despite the ban, some soldiers still managed to find ways to practice ballroom dancing in secret. This allowed the art form to survive and eventually flourish after the ban was lifted.
The Legacy
The legacy of Queen Victoria’s ban on ballroom dancing in the British Army is still felt today. It was a significant moment in the history of the art form, and it reminds us of the importance of being able to express ourselves freely.
4. The Formation of the Royal Army Dance Corps in 1881
The Formation of the Royal Army Dance Corps in 1881
The Royal Army Dance Corps was established in 1881, making it one of the earliest formal ballroom dance organisations in Britain. The Corps was formed to provide entertainment for the troops and to raise morale, and it soon became popular with the public.
The Corps initially consisted of just four officers, but it quickly grew to include more than 100 members. They were all trained in the basics of ballroom dancing, including the waltz, polka, mazurka, and quadrille. The Corps performed at military events and public shows, and were even invited to perform at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
The Royal Army Dance Corps was disbanded in 1920, but its legacy lives on. The Corps was the first of its kind in Britain, paving the way for the growth of ballroom dancing in the country.
The Impact of the Royal Army Dance Corps
The formation of the Royal Army Dance Corps had a lasting impact on ballroom dancing in Britain. Not only did the Corps help to popularise the activity, but it also provided a platform for the development of new steps and techniques.
The Corps also provided an opportunity for members of the military to learn and practice ballroom dancing, which led to the development of a strong military ballroom dance culture. This culture has continued to this day, with many military personnel taking part in ballroom competitions and events.
The Royal Army Dance Corps also helped to spread ballroom dancing to the wider public. Many of the members of the Corps went on to teach ballroom dancing in their local communities, helping to make the activity more accessible to all.
5. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1977
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1977
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 were a momentous occasion for the British Army. The Queen’s 25th year on the throne was marked with a spectacular event, and the British Army was called upon to provide a guard of honour. As part of the celebrations, the Army put on a ballroom dancing display to the delight of the assembled guests.
The Ballroom Dancing Display
The ballroom dancing display featured a selection of popular dances from the era, including the Foxtrot, the Waltz, and the Quickstep. The display was choreographed by the Royal Ballet’s Dame Ninette de Valois, and included a number of soldiers from the British Army. The display was a great success, and provided a fitting tribute to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
The Aftermath
The ballroom dancing display was a huge hit with the audience, and it had a lasting impact on the British Army. Following the success of the display, ballroom dancing was introduced into the Army’s training curriculum. This allowed soldiers to learn the skills of ballroom dancing, and to use them in ceremonial occasions. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 marked a turning point for ballroom dancing in the British Army, and it is still an important part of the Army’s culture today.
6. The Queen’s Birthday Ball at Balmoral in 2002
The Queen’s Birthday Ball at Balmoral in 2002
The Queen’s Birthday Ball at Balmoral in 2002 was an event to remember. The Queen and Prince Philip had celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary the year before and this ball was a special celebration of their union.
The event was held in the Ballroom of Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s private residence in Scotland. The Queen and Prince Philip had invited members of the British Army to join the festivities, and the ballroom was filled with some of the most distinguished officers in the country.
Dancing the Night Away
The guests were treated to a night of dancing, with the Queen and Prince Philip leading the way. The ballroom was filled with the sound of waltzes, polkas, and reels. The guests were also treated to performances by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Coldstream Guards, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
A Memorable Evening
The evening was a memorable one for all who attended. The Queen and Prince Philip danced together for the first time in public, and the guests were delighted to witness the royal couple’s obvious joy in each other’s company. The atmosphere was electric, and the guests enjoyed the company of each other and the royal family.
The Queen’s Birthday Ball at Balmoral was a wonderful occasion, and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
7. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012
7. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012 marked a significant milestone in the history of ballroom dancing in the British Army. To commemorate the Queen’s 60th year on the throne, the Army organised a series of events to celebrate the occasion.
The Grand Ball
The highlight of the celebrations was a grand ball held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This event was attended by the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family, as well as over 2,000 members of the British Army.
The event featured performances by the Royal Ballet, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Army’s own regimental bands. The evening also included a display of traditional ballroom dances, such as the waltz, foxtrot, and tango.
The Diamond Jubilee Ballroom Dance Competition
The Army also organised a ballroom dance competition to mark the occasion. This competition was held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was open to all members of the British Army.
The competition was judged by a panel of experts, including professional ballroom dancers, and the winner was presented with the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Trophy. The competition was a great success and was seen as a fitting way to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Legacy of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012 provided a unique opportunity for the British Army to showcase its ballroom dancing skills. The event was a great success and has left a lasting legacy on the history of ballroom dancing in the British Army. It has inspired generations of soldiers to take up the art of ballroom dancing and has helped to promote the art form to a wider audience.
8. The Royal Horse Artillery’s Re-enactment of the Waltz of 1845 in 2013
The Royal Horse Artillery’s Re-enactment of the Waltz of 1845 in 2013
In 2013, the Royal Horse Artillery commemorated the Battle of Waterloo by performing a re-enactment of the Waltz of 1845. The Waltz of 1845 was a dance created to celebrate the victory of the British Army over Napoleon’s forces at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The Royal Horse Artillery, who were stationed at the Tower of London, performed the re-enactment as part of a special ceremony to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The ceremony was attended by a large crowd of spectators, who watched as the soldiers in their red coats and black shakos performed the traditional waltz.
The performance was a great success and was met with much appreciation from the audience. It was a wonderful way to honour the courage and dedication of the British Army in the face of the French forces.
Conclusion
The Royal Horse Artillery’s re-enactment of the Waltz of 1845 in 2013 was a fitting tribute to the courage and dedication of the British Army in the face of the French forces at the Battle of Waterloo. It was a wonderful way to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle and to honour the soldiers who fought and died for their country.
9. The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in 2016
The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in 2016
The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations in 2016 were a truly special occasion. Ballroom dancing was at the heart of the festivities, with a special performance from the British Army’s own Ballroom Dance Company. The performance, which was choreographed by the Royal Ballet’s Dame Monica Mason, was an incredible display of poise, grace and elegance.
The performance was part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, which also featured a parade of soldiers and a flypast from the Royal Air Force. The Ballroom Dance Company, which is made up of soldiers from all three branches of the British Army, performed a selection of classic ballroom dances, including the Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep.
The Performance
The performance was a spectacular display of skill and precision, with the dancers showcasing their talent and expertise. The performance was well received by the audience, who gave the dancers a standing ovation at the end of the show. The performance was also broadcast on television, allowing millions of people around the world to witness the spectacle.
The Legacy
The performance was a fitting tribute to the Queen’s 90th birthday, and a reminder of the important role that ballroom dancing has played in the history of the British Army. The performance was a fitting way to celebrate the Queen’s long and distinguished reign, and a reminder of the importance of ballroom dancing in the British Army.
10. The Royal Logistic Corps’ Ballroom Dancing Competitions in 2017
The Royal Logistic Corps’ Ballroom Dancing Competitions in 2017
The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) is the largest Corps in the British Army, and is responsible for the delivery of all logistics to the Army. In 2017, the RLC organised a series of ballroom dancing competitions for its personnel, in order to promote the Corps’ spirit of camaraderie and team-building.
The Competitions
The RLC held three separate ballroom dancing competitions in 2017, each with its own set of rules and regulations. The competitions were held in London, Birmingham and Glasgow, and were open to all personnel from the RLC, regardless of rank or experience.
Judging Criteria
The judging criteria for each competition was based on the quality of the dancing, the execution of the steps and the overall performance. Judges were looking for dancers who had the ability to perform with confidence and finesse, as well as the ability to lead and follow.
The Winners
The winners of each competition were awarded with medals and certificates of achievement. The overall winner of the series was awarded with the prestigious RLC Ballroom Dancing Champion Trophy, which was presented by the Chief of the Logistic Corps.
Conclusion
The 2017 RLC Ballroom Dancing Competitions were a great success, and showcased the talent and dedication of the Corps’ personnel. The competitions provided an opportunity for personnel to come together and celebrate their shared love of ballroom dancing, and to demonstrate the strength of the RLC’s teamwork.
