Attend the Buttoned Down Disco Boat Party

Back when your author first came to London, he searched in vain for decent clubnights, and one which he particularly enjoyed was Buttoned Down Disco, who cleverly pioneered use of social media and the internet to promote their nights, with monthly invites arriving by email, and details of the 'secret venues' often not revealed until the night.


Over a few years they have risen from small venues such as Purple Turtle in Camden via Bloomsbury, King's Cross, and Shoreditch to large venues like Koko, on the other side of the road in Camden, where they now hold their regular nights, only occasionally still branching out, such as in the case of tonight they're special End of the Summer Boat Party in Battersea.

For more, and to download their excellent mixes see http://www.buttoneddowndisco.com/

_{^Picture © Dani P.L. used under a Creative Commons license^}

Watch the Blackheath Morris Men

This afternoon, the Blackheath Morris Men are on a tour of their area of South East London, making stops at various pubs en route.


They promise to be at the Prince of Wales for 12.30, the Crown for 13.45 and the Hare and Billet for 15.00, followed by 'lively tunes in the Hare and Billet afterwards'.

For more, see http://www.blackheathmorris.com/Blackheath_Morris_Men/Diary.html

_{^Picture © higgott used under Creative Commons^}

Attend the Agatha Christie tea dance

This year marks the 120th anniversary of Agatha Christie's birth, and to celebrate the Southbank Centre has been holding a range of events to celebrate. Today, they are holding a ballroom dancing event in her honour.


Organisers are urging people to get their dancing shoes on, and join in with the grand finale of a year of events celebrating the 'Queen of Crime'. The event is free, is open to all and begins at 11am.

For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website here.

_{^Picture provided by organisers, with permission of Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard^}

Celebrate Morris Dance at the Southbank Centre

Traditionally thought of as an excuse for bearded men to escape their wives, drink fine ales and dress up, Morris Dancing finally gets some recognition in a genuine arts centre this weekend with the Southbank Centre's 5000 Morris Dancers Weekend.


Pop artist David Owen brings a Morris-inspired large-scale installation to Southbank Centre, and the best in folk and Morris dance spend the weekend dancing at the centre, alongside live music and film celebrating the art.

If you're looking for Morris Dance in its purest form, one hundred of the finest morris dancers from across England will also be assembling at noon today and tomorrow and dancing throughout the afternoon. Featuring Hammersmith Morris Men, Mortimer's Morris (Nottingham), Pecsaetan Morris (Sunday only), Boggart's Breakfast, Eynsham Morris (Saturday only), Stone Monkey Sword Dancers, Moss Brothers and Gog Magog Molly.

For more on all aspects of the weekend, see http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/festivals-series/5000-morris-dancers-weekend

_{^Picture by Fimb^}

Learn Scottish Dancing

Two Scottish articles in two days, but it is Burns Night. And the London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2010. As part of the celebration, alongside their usual dances and classes, they are holding a Weekend School, a Tea Party, an extra midweek dance and an anniversary ball to mark the occasion.


Every week, the society runs a wide range of classes for all abilities across the London area. There are also classes and dances for young people. Their prize-winning London Branch demonstration team can also provide displays of Scottish dance for your function if you would prefer that. Some events are held at St Columbas Church Hall, Pont Street, Knightsbridge, but there are a wide range of locations.

For information on the range of classes and locations available, click here, or for more information on the London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, visit http://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/

_{^Picture (of an Edinburgh dance, rather than a London one) by twistyfoldy.net^}