ScotDance Ontario is the
Professional Body representing
all matters dealing with
Highland Dancing in the
Province of Ontario and
operates under the umbrella of
ScotDance Canada
ScotDance Ontario Oscars

SHIRLEY ASHDOWN MEMORIAL AWARDS
   
Born in England, Miss Ashdown immigrated with her family to London, Ontario, later moving to
Hamilton and finally settling in St. Catharines. While working as a legal secretary, she started
teaching tap and ballet, then chose to pass on the Highland dancing knowledge she had learned
from Major Pollack of Hamilton.  A gifted violinist, she was a member of the St. Catharines Civic
Orchestra and, in addition, taught Scottish Country dancing.

However, Shirley Ashdown’s passion was dancing and teaching dancing.  She expected – indeed,
demanded – hard work, and although she was competitive would not tolerate poor sportsmanship
– it was simply NOT acceptable.  She laughed and giggled with her students until it was time to
“get down to business” and they knew then that there would be no nonsense tolerated.  Always
positive and never demeaning with corrections, she inspired her dancers to go beyond just better,
and be the best that they could be, win or lose.

Very much a lady, Miss Ashdown was highly respected among her peers. She commanded and
demanded the love and respect of her students and to this day is fondly remembered for the
memories of good times, laughter, fun, recitals, road trips, and a few impish (well hidden) pranks.
Peggy (Bowder) Campbell, Sharon (Mitchelmore) Farrar, Cathy (Girvin) Hynd were some of her
more notable students.

With her death in September of 1977, she left behind a legacy of inspiration and role model for the
important lessons about living and dancing.  And so, it is in her honour and memory that
ScotDance Ontario continued to recognize the excellence of dancers in Ontario through the
awarding of Ontario Oscars to those dancers from the province who have won the greatest number
of championship titles in a calendar year.

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