Dear Editor: Re: May Day traditional dance draws concerns, The Record, Aug. 28.
To those few who find our traditional May Day distasteful, check your history books and the Lancers' role.
It is traditional, going back to the 17th century, performed at family gatherings and danced to lively music as the chosen queen of the festivities enters with her "ladies in waiting." The Lancers are the leaders in the community and "protectors"of the ladies of the court. Yes, even the Queen of England has her "Lancers."
Many years ago, an English lady taught the royal party the Lancers' traditional dance. Lady Beatrice Cave-Browne-Cave taught the traditional Lancers to our city officials. She was a very proper lady and would be shocked that there would be some in our community who would find fault with this tradition.
Perhaps if the young dancers and those adults understand the family history of this tradition, it could remain a part of our beautiful May Day in our Royal City.
Bless the men of honour who have been chosen to "protect" our May Queen Suite, and may it continue.
Dolores Kirkwood
New Westminster
