Scottish Country Dance:
Fun, Fitness, Friendship…
Worldwide
We Dance Scottish because. . .
• It brings us joy • We change partners every dance
• Beginner Classes are near subway stations
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 formal/semi-formal balls each year, and many special events. These video links show typical dances, and typical Toronto dancers!
Some easy-peasy ceilidh-style dances:
• Braveheart • Kingston Flyer • Knot on a Ferryboat
Some high-energy Scottish country dances:
• St Andrews Fair • Rest And Be Thankful • Red Nose Jig
Two more-challenging dances:
• Reel of the 51st Highland Division (all male set) • The Peat Road
Some Short Strathspeys:
• The Minster on the Loch • We Reely Progressed
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 Italy <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
Dancing Gems: A new Toronto dance book celebrating our sapphire anniversary with dances old and new by people you know or know of.
Only $15. Order here
© 2014-2024 RSCDS Toronto ~ Webmaster: roblockhart@rogers.com
RSCDS Toronto is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Edinburgh, Scotland. HM King Charles III is our Patron.
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