There are many Social Groups in Toronto and area, and all welcome dancers from other places. Visitors are also welcome at monthly dances, Balls, and Dancing in the Park.

Shown Above:  Flowers of Edinburgh is an old favourite dance, and you are likely to learn it in your Beginner Class. It features several basic elements of Scottish country dance:  Chase, set to partner, lead down the middle and up, poussette. It also features the most basic element of this dance form. . .  IT’S A LOT OF FUN.

Dance for joy

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

There are 6 “monthly dances” each season, with wonderful live music. The March dance, and Family Christmas dance, especially welcome dancers from the Beginner Classes. 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 ceilidh-style dances: 

Braveheart (circle dance):  https://youtu.be/ouh9W9mcwQk

Kingston Flyer:  https://youtu.be/33YeV3NEgE0

Knot on a Ferryboat (circle dance):  https://youtu.be/GEWp9WDHwVo

Some high-energyScottish country dances:

St Andrews Fair:          https://youtu.be/Q4-pC1HVLE0

Joe MacDiarmid’s Jig:  https://youtu.be/-zJGSh0c_nI

Well Done Jack:          https://youtu.be/FbSFhjWq2vE

Antarctica Bound:        https://youtu.be/wfA1UTQfGNo

The Sailor:                  https://youtu.be/R5y_ypvAlto

Rest And Be Thankful:  https://youtu.be/zO5Q7DD0BZo

Red Nose Jig (sq set):  https://youtu.be/qcjPTQB-M3U

Trip To Crinan:             https://youtu.be/g-OEW4sRGAE

Two more-challenging dances:

Reel of the 51st Highland Division (all male set):  https://youtu.be/ZXJePUsflQ8

The Peat Road:  https://youtu.be/oz1dkF89trs

Some Short Strathspeys:

The Swan & The Tay (3x strathspey):         https://youtu.be/NlDP6Lt2rNE

St John River (a dance metaphor, strathspey):   https://youtu.be/KXTEj15Cmhk

We Reely Progressed (4s32, Rosedale Parent class):    https://youtu.be/fs0A1GovPac

About Scottish Dance. . .

Scottish country dance is the traditional 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.

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

“the feeling that you are a part of
something so big, and special, and floor-shaking never loses its magic!”

. . . Tara M.

© 2014-17 RSCDS Toronto
RSCDS Toronto is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Edinburgh, Scotland. HM Queen Elizabeth is our Patron.

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