The Longyard (geelong) Closes After Nearly 11 Years

[Longyard]

Last night (Saturday November 21) saw the very last Rock 'N' Roll dance at The Longyard in Geelong. The Longyard has in actual fact been at the same premises (which is in an Industrial area) for 13 years but when the original proprietor decided to call it a day four ladies decided that it was too good a place to lose so nearly 11 years ago they decided to form a company called The Longyard Dance Studio Pty Ltd. This decision was not because we wanted to make money out of dancing (although that would have been nice) but because we all love dancing and music and this venue was too good to lose so as long as we could cover our costs and bring something we love doing to others we decided to go ahead. Where could you find a sprung wooden floor that didn't need any maintenance thanks to years of wool being dragged over it making it the best floor to dance on in Geelong (no matter what shoes you were wearing).

Over the years The Longyard Dance Studio has taught and had social dances for Rock N Roll Dancing, Linedancing, Ballroom Dancing, Swing Dancing, Street Latin and Clogging (tap sort).

There has been a lot of people go through The Yard enjoying the music, dancing and the overall friendliness of their fellow students, patrons and teachers.

Well this was all ruined by some very narrowminded people who I'm sure think that a great way to spend a Saturday night is sitting in front of a box in their lounge room week after week. After 10 years of not a single complaint (one of these 'people' who has only been in the area for approx. 5 or 6 yrs) decided to lodge a complaint which ended up with us having to reapply for a permit. After asking the council for the same hours that were originally asked and which we've been running with for the best part of 11 years we were faced with 10 objections from the locals. Well after meetings, etc, etc, etc we were cut down in the numbers of people who could attend classes and our social nights and the number of social nights we could have a year. With so many styles of dance we were having 3 regular social dances for three of the styles and every now and then one or two of the other styles would hold a social function too not to mention the many fundraising music/dance nights that were held also. So going from 3 socials per month to only 1 per month our original philosophy of "covering our costs" went out the window.

Unfortunately for Geelong and surrounding areas this now makes only one venue (Jukebox Rockers' venue White Eagle House) in Geelong where lovers of Rock N Roll music and dancing can go (once a month).

Anyway sorry that I've gone on a bit (and believe me if I went into the details I could go on for ever) but I guess I just needed to get it off my chest.

From the very bottom of our hearts we want to thank each and every person (teacher, student, patron and band) who has been part of The Longyard. For your friendship and fun that you brought along making this one of those places where you just felt part of a really really big family.

Thanks again

Lea


PS Please keep an eye on Vicrock or at other venues for pamphlets because I (Lea) am looking out for a venue in Geelong that is not impeded by "narrow minded people" (going to be hard) where I can continue Rock N Roll social dances (on the 3rd Saturday of the month) so that Geelong people can have at least more than 1 venue to dance in!!!!

[shane]

We had the pleasure of playing at The Longyard and they are a FANTASTIC group of people.Its a bit sad that NARROWMINDED people, can shut something down, that bought so much joy to so many people.All the best Lea.Just remember mate...When the going gets tough..The tough get going...You'll find somewhere else.Chin up mate...All the best......Shane

[ChrisR]

Thanks for all the good times, Lea. We started our dancing at the Longyard and from our first night of lessons, we couldn't get enough! Great fun, great people!

Chris, Peter and Leigh

[bassthumper]

How sad...

I remember doing a couple of gigs there with my old band THE MOST...

What the hell is wrong with people nowadays? They move into areas surrounded by pubs, traffic, airports etc and expecting the serenity of Bonnie Doon... Bloody idiots!

I hope you guys will continue doing what you love doing in some way.

Cheers
Tony