Scottish Country Dance:
Fun, Fitness, Friendship
Worldwide

 

In-person events and classes are not possible under pandemic protocols

BUT…  Some virtual classes via Zoom are available.

For each class you must get a Zoom password in advance from the designated contact. 

(posted 23 September 2020)

About RSCDS Toronto >>About.html
Demo Pool >>Demo-Pool.html

  1. Dance Scottish because. .  .

  2. •It brings you joy  • You don’t need to be a couple – we change partners every dance

  3. •Beginner Classes are on the subway – downtown and in north Toronto

Your new fitness and social activity starts here

Youth Classes, any time, Sept to May: Info here


Dance for joy

Scottish Country Dance is lively, multi-generational, and rollicking good fun!

There are 6 dances each season with wonderful live music. Beginners are especially welcome at March Beginners’ Night, and at the Family Christmas dance. There are two formal /semi-formal balls each year, and many special events.  Here are some video links to show you typical dances, and typical Toronto dancers!

Some easy-peasy ceilidh-style dances: 

• Braveheart (circle dance)    • Kingston Flyer     • Knot on a Ferryboat (circle dance) 

Some high-energy Scottish country dances:

• St Andrews Fair   • Joe MacDiarmid’s Jig   • Well Done Jack   •  Antarctica Bound   •  The Sailor                 

• Rest And Be Thankful   • Red Nose Jig (sq set)   •  A Trip To Crinan            

Two more-challenging dances:

• Reel of the 51st Highland Division (all male set)   • The Peat Road

Some Short Strathspeys:

• The Swan & The Tay (3x)   • St John River (a dance metaphor)   •  We Reely Progressed (4s32, Rosedale Parent class)   

About Scottish Social Dance. . .

Scottish Dance: It's old. . . it's new. . . it's fun. . . it's social.

Scottish country dance is the traditional social dance of Scotland. It’s based on ancient folk dances, mixed with elements of ballet, influences from the Royal court of France, and some overlap with Highland dancing. Scottish country dance was carried around the world by Scottish immigrants, and by Highland regiments. It remains popular world-wide, and in unlikely places such as Paris, Japan, and Moscow <some international events>.

SCD is great fun for young and old but it IS challenging mentally and physically. You must be fit, and quick on the uptake. Some people can pick it up on the fly, but the better way is to take Lessons.

Some of the dances we do are over 300 years old; many are newly (and cleverly) devised to incorporate intricate formations. We dance lively jigs and reels and the distinctively Scottish, very stately, Strathspey. We also dabble in marches and waltzes. To learn more, click on Lessons.

Classes for young people are available here.

General Questions & Health Benefits

Any number of journal articles and studies have shown the social and health benefits of dancing in general and Scottish country dancing in particular. Anyone who dances Scottish country will tell you "It's fun!".

Have questions? Want answers?
Download this pamphlet of Questions & Answers: Scottish-Country-Dance-info.pdf






 
Toronto Books & Leaflet Dances >leaflets.html

‘SOCIAL’ GROUP DANCING

Evenings @ 8pm (60-90 mins)

Tuesdays:  Erin Mills and Bloorlea.

Keith Bark and Arlene Koteff will teach week about. Contact Keith or Deirdre in advance for a password to join Zoom.

Wednesdays:

Humbercrest ~ Deirdre MacCuish Bark will teach. Contact Deirdre for password.

Glenview ~ Moira Korus will teach. Classes start October 14. Contact Erica for Zoom password.

Fridays: Woodglen. Deirdre MacCuish Bark will teach. Contact Deirdre in advance for Zoom password.

All classes are open to everyone, but you must get a Zoom password in advance.

Basic Technique Classes

Thursdays @ 8pm (60-90 mins)

Keith Bark will teach Basic Technique based on his branch Level 1 and Level 2 classes

Class is open to everyone, but contact Keith to ‘register’ (there is no charge).

You must contact Keith in advance for a password to join Zoom.

Questions about Zoom?   ask Keith.

Young Dancers & Families

Saturday Mornings

Teacher: Moira Korus (Rosedale grp.)

Family Class, 9:30am (30 mins)

Young children can dance at home with parents/siblings. No dance experience needed. We start moving and keeping time to music as we warm up; learn easy steps; then use them in a dance.

Intermediate Class (age 8+), 10:15am

We start with step practice; then walk and dance one formation; and then put the steps and formation into a dance.

New dancers are welcome.

Info and Zoom password:   ask Moira.

Virtual Family Christmas Dance

Dec 12 @ 7:30pm

Dust off your computer screen, ghillies, kilt, and gowns --  masks optional.

We all miss dancing… especially our traditional, hugely-popular Family Christmas Dance. We shall revive some of that spirit with a Virtual Family Christmas Dance. The programme will be mostly the same as planned pre-covid:

2020-December-cribs+video.pdf  

All are welcome, but you must register with Keith Bark for a password to join via Zoom.

More details in your December Set & Link.

(updated 9 Nov 2020)