Marcia Ferris

Avid Line Dancer, &

Executive Editor of Country Goss'

Started dancing in 1994

My first bootscootin' class was in October 1994. I was on holidays in Queensland staying with a girlfriend and it was a total surprise. I’d never heard the term bootscootin’ (as it was called back then) and had no idea what I was in for. Today, after 30 years I have no recollection what we danced in that class. All I recall is an overwhelming feeling of exhilaration. I barely slept that night. It was love at first sight! 

So, after returning home, I spent months scouring the newspapers looking for a sign of local classes and eventually found an ad in the local paper. With a feeling of trepidation and my husband in tow, I turned up at Avalon Guide Hall to meet Yvonne Hammond of Peninsula Bootscooters.

We felt really special as we were the only two beginners in her class, so we had her full attention for the first hour before the experienced girls arrived. We were enthralled watching them. What a great way to spend Friday night, a lesson and a show! I was immediately hooked and became involved in the club helping Yvonne with secretarial work like producing tickets, newsletters, dance sheets etc.

After a few lessons our favourite dance was Hot Tamales.

Then one Sunday Yvonne took me to my first social at the Harold Park Hotel and introduced me, as her Secretary, to Julie Talbot.

Sydney's Harold Park Hotel on a Sunday afternoon

It was there that Julie would later ask me if I would be interested in helping with a new line dance magazine called Country Goss’. I said "SURE"! I soon went on to become Executive Editor overseeing articles, adverts, dance classes, social listings and liaising with our overseas contributors. A lot of hard work went into the magazine. I’m so proud of what we accomplished.

The growth of Country Goss' over the years was phenomenal.

Over the years I’ve enjoyed attending the classes and socials of many instructors in Sydney. From the NSW Line Dance Ball to fun themed events with Rosalie Mackay.

I’m retired now but my involvement with the Line Dance History Australia website keeps me extremely busy. I still love to line dance. I mainly dance now on the northern beaches with Rosalie from In Line Boots and Josh of JB Talbot Line Dancers. 

Julie, Gary and I have stayed the best of friends over the years.

Josh Talbot (and Millie), Julie, Gary, me, Pete & Rosalie Mackay

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio.

I am honoured to be a part of this fabulous historical website.