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Background Info:
West Mabou Development Association is based in Inverness County on Cape Breton Island. It started out as a sports club in the 1970's. In the spring of 1980, it broadened it's scope and became a development association. This community organization currently owns and manages the West Mabou Hall and West Mabou Courts.
The West Mabou Hall is best known as the venue for the West Mabou Family Square Dances that have been held weekly for over 30 years. These dances are a well established attraction of Cape Breton Island's Celtic music scene. The dances are attended by locals and visitors alike and are open to all ages. The family square dances have featured not only the island's best known traditional artists, but also up and coming young performers that will go on to be ambassadors for this style of music. It has played an important role in the mentoring of young local musicians and dancers. It should also be acknowledged that since the West Mabou Hall is one of the most recognized dance halls on the island, it contributes directly to the funds that Gaelic and Celtic culture adds to the provincial economy. This is one of the venues that people plan their vacations around.
The intergenerational social setting of these dances is very effective in that it allows understanding of tradition music and dance to be easily passed from one one generation to the next or from locals to visitors. In this way, these dances play a key role in the preservation and promotion of Cape Breton's traditional music and dance. Gaelic music and dance traditions have far reaching benefits for the overall well being of the community. It helps to connect us as a community and strengthen our pride in who we are and where we come from. Children who are raised in this atmosphere have the opportunity to develop relationships with adults in the community other than their parents and to acquire cultural skills and knowledge in an informal, non-competitive setting. That is very rare in today's world.
Besides the family square dances, the West Mabou Hall is used for a wide variety of other purposes. It has been the site of many community meals. It is rented out for community meetings, anniversary parties, wedding receptions and birthday parties. The hall has been used by local cultural organizations to run step dance lessons and square dance workshops. It has presented percussive dance demonstrations in association with Celtic Colours International Festival and is used as a venue for Colaisde na Gàidhlig | the Gaelic College’s KitchenFest! .
The proceeds from the hall events help to maintain double tennis courts that are also used for basketball. The courts have lighting so that they can be used at night. These courts are open to all. The courts benefit Mabou and neighbouring communities. The next closest public tennis courts are 40 miles away.
Over the years, countless volunteer hours have gone into maintaining the hall, snow removal, groundskeeping and working the door and canteen.