The History of the New South Wales Dutch Folk Dancing Group
A parade in Chatswood in the 1960's Dr. Wouters in the middle.
On the 29th of January 1951, a group of newly arrived migrants
took part in the procession which was the pinnacle event of the Waratah Festival
(forerunner of the Festival of Sydney).
Dressed in typical Dutch Costumes, the group performed some traditional
folk dances during one of the delays in the procession and was later awarded a prize for its performance.
Later that evening, during discussions of the day's events, Dr Cornelius Wouters suggested
forming a permanent Dutch Folk Dancing group and so, in 1951 the dancing group was established.
Dr. Wouters, the founder and driving force behind the group, promoted Dutch culture whenever possible.
He made great contributions not only to the Dutch community but also to immigrants of many other nationalities.
In recognition of this he received many distinctions, including the Gertrud Kumm Award for Citizenship in 1961
as well as many knighthoods from various countries including Knight of de Orde van Oranje Nassau.
He was fluent in over 20 languages.
The Wouters family has continued their association with the group and today, Jan Wouters, son of Dr. Wouters is Patron of the club.
HRH Crown Princess Beatrix with HRH Prince Claus, in Sydney (c1970's?)
Throughout the group's 50+ year history, they have danced their way through an amazing number of Festivals,
community fairs, nursing homes and multi-cultural events.
They have appeared on TCN-9 and were Goodwill Ambassadors to the City of Dubbo for Australia Day 1993.
Above and below, two views of a performance in Orange, N.S.W. on the 6th of October 1958
John Goosen and Kathy O'Hara (c1950's)
Debbie Goosen (c1960's)
A cake made for the group's 25 Anniversary celebrations in 1976.
| Consul General of the Netherlands |
Patron Mrs Wouters and Jan Wouters |
| addressing the audience during |
cutting the 25th anniversary cake |
| the 25th anniversary |
at Bowman Hall Blacktown 1976 |
Here are some kids dancing in 1979 at the
Blacktown Crafty Bunyip Festival
the forerunner to the current Blacktown City Festival.
The group even made it to the cover of the "Westside Friday Extra" paper on Friday the 1st of June 1984
"These Dutch dancers will be among the more than 1200 performers who will take part in the Shell National Folkloric Festival
which begins tomorrow at the Sydney Opera House.
Left to right they are,
Top row: Kevin Sieders(Baulkham hills), Fred Blair(Blacktown), Arnold Niessan(Glenfield)
Bottom row: Anne-mieke Snejers(Prestons), Kathy Hoftsteede(Dundas), Jeanette Vanalkenburg(Pennant Hills)."
Another performance at a Shell National Folkloric Festival at the Sydney Opera House year unknown.
The Dutch Folk Dancing Group has also performed at the Coffs Harbour Dutch Festival,
a picture of them dancing was used on the cover of the local tourist booklet in 1987.
In 2001 a 50th Anniversary celebration was held at Blacktown Civic centre.