The Southside Cabaret began in 1978 and was the inspiration of Arthur Gates (who along with his wife Carol ran "Miranda-Sutherland Club") to be a special dance at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre. It was intended to be more than just another big dance - it would be a time to dress up in your finest attire and put on some style for pre-dinner drinks followed by a three-course dinner and dancing. We had just started "Knee-Deep Squares" when Arthur asked us to participate in this venture.

On the afternoon of the first Southside Cabaret we held a promotional dance for beginners in the venue, with many interested people joining beginner classes the following year. The Cabaret was a great success, and it was to become an annual event.

Arthur and Carol moved to Perth in 1981. Linda and Chris ensured that the "Southside" flourished and as time went by, it was to become the premier event on Sydney’s square dance calendar. Many dancers described it as the "best dance of the year".

Over the years various Sutherland Shire Club callers were invited to participate including Greg Brown, Paul Johnston and of course Tedda Brooks. They each participated while ever their club was operating in the Shire, and this was another example of the wonderful inter-club socialising that we have always encouraged. The full list of callers appearing at the Southside cabaret is below:

1978: Arthur Gates; Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston

1979: Arthur Gates; Chris Froggatt; Norm Atkins

1980: Arthur Gates; Chris Froggatt; Greg Brown; Norm Atkins

1981: Chris Froggatt; Greg Brown; (Guest Caller) Brian Hotchkies

1982: Chris Froggatt; Greg Brown; (Guest Caller) Gary Carpenter

1983: Chris Froggatt; Greg Brown; (Guest Caller) Arthur Gates

1984: Chris Froggatt; Greg Brown; Paul Johnston; (Guest Caller) Cliff Keenan

1985: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; (Guest Caller) Brian Hotchkies

1986: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; (Guest Caller) David Smythe

1987: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; (Guest Caller) David Smythe

1988: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Cliff Keenan

1989: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; Tedda Brooks

1990: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; Tedda Brooks

1991: Chris Froggatt; Paul Johnston; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Matt McGinn

1992: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Jason Dean

1993: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Jason Dean

1994: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Matt McGinn

1995: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Mike Davey

1996: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Brian Hotchkies

1997: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Graham Elliott

1998: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guests) Laurel Eddie-Moseley & Howard Cockburn

1999: Chris Froggatt; Tedda Brooks; (Guest Caller) Jason Dean

After the initial few years, elaborate stage decorations and backdrops became an integral part of the "Southside" sometimes requiring a "working bee". Knee-Deepers shared many fun afternoons in Chris & Linda's back yard preparing the decorations. Chris and his best friend Allan would spend months painting the backdrop scene onto massive calico sheets that Linda had sown together. This backdrop and the many fine props made during these working bees would be the first thing that dancers would notice when they entered the venue. The reaction was well worth all the effort. Themes included "Jason and the Argonaughts", "Outer Space", " Medieval Knights", "Wild West" and "Trains"

The night was special in many other ways too. During the evening we were served with a delicious three-course dinner. We engaged a professional entertainer to provide music while everyone dined. The catering and service were always first class. And the tables were decorated with place cards in the theme of the night.

Many Square Dance Clubs from outside of the Sutherland Shire were eager to attend the Southside Cabaret - we were honoured to host clubs from as far away as Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Newcastle on a regular basis. It was usual for clubs to book months ahead to ensure their seats and some even organised a bus for transport.

The Southside Cabaret will live long in the memories of all that attended. It was a great night of dancing to top callers, but it was also a "special occasion" that everyone would look forward to.