Lessons
(all levels)

 

As you begin 2nd term. . .

After your first term of Beginner Classes, to qualify for the second term, you are expected to become a member of RSCDS Toronto (info here). There are multiple reasons for this.

Basically, classes are subsidized by membership fees. Expenses include:

  1. •rental of facilities

  2. •token compensation to teachers

  3. •insurance costs

From a 'big picture' point of view, classes would not exist without membership fees to support the training of teachers (equivalent to a university course, in both difficulty and expense), the testing and publication of dances, and the production of CDs for the music we dance to.

Plus, we are part of a world-wide international organization that maintains standards and safeguards the heritage and history of Scottish Country Dancing so it can continue to thrive.

So, please, cheerfully join-up. Over a year you can actually recover much of your membership fee by reduced entry cost for Monthly Dances and other events. You will also receive our monthly newsletter Set & Link and twice a year you’ll get Scottish Country Dancer magazine directly from Scotland.  Membership Page


Questions? . . .
please contact Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

The RSCDS Toronto Scottish Country Dance Association offers classes for adults of all ages and dancing abilities, including beginners, experienced dancers, and everyone in between.

You do not need to be a couple… we change partners every dance.

Join us and share the wonderful experience of Scottish country dance!


Beginner Classes (Level 1) at Alderwood CC ~ Monday Evenings  ~ West End


Mondays:  7:30-9:30pm  at Alderwood Community Centre <map> —   7 weeks: $70

▶︎ Spring Semester:  March 27 - May 15, 2023  (no class Apr 10, Easter)

▶︎ Pre-register to join the Spring Semester - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

Teacher: Alma Smith will teach the five basic steps of Scottish country dance, and some of the common formations. She will lead you through simple dances using those steps and formations. After 10 weeks you’ll be ready to join in the fun of social dances, and there will be many experienced dancers eager to be your partner.

Alma has been dancing since she was a young person in Tyneside. She is accomplished and certificated in Scottish country dance. She also teaches Scottish step dance (an elegant variation of country dance). Alma has taught both dance genres for many years.

Alderwood Community Centre, 2 Orianna Drive, Etobicoke, M8W 4Y1
(nr. Brown’s Line & Horner Ave.) <map> Go to the Meeting Room.
There is abundant free parking on campus.

Class Co-ordinator:  Alex Sutton   416.915-1417

Extension Classes at Eastminster ~ Thursday Evenings ~ Central Toronto


Thursdays:    7:30 - 9:30pm  —  at Eastminster United Church on Danforth <map>

▶︎ STARTS SOON…   Dates:          March 30 – May 18, 2023   ~  8 weeks: $80

▶︎ Pre-register for Extension Classes - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

These classes are designed as a bridge between the end of regular classes and the beginning of Dancing in the Park. The classes extend the learning experience as dancers review steps and formations previously taught and are introduced to new ones.

Teachers (not necessarily in order shown) 

  1. • David Booz

  2. • Deirdre MacCuish Bark

  3. • Keith Bark


Extension classes are in the Eastminster Gymnasium (the gym has a wood floor designed for basketball). Enter church by the east-side door and go downstairs, turn left to the Gym.

Eastminster United Church <map>  310 Danforth Ave. one block west of Chester station.
Enter church by east-side door.

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

Level 3 Classes (Advanced) at Eastminster ~ Thursday Evenings ~ Central Toronto


Thursdays:    7:30 - 9:30pm  —  at Eastminster United Church on Danforth <map>

Dates:          March 30 – April 27, 2023   ~  5 weeks: $50

▶︎ Pre-register for Advanced Class - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

These classes build on the skill base of the dancers.  New formations and dances of more complexity in their combination of patterns are introduced to challenge the more experienced dancer.

Teacher: Moira Korus learned Scottish country dance as a child in Edinburgh, and attained her full certificate in 2006. Moira teaches the Rosedale Children’s Group and the Glenview social group. She also instituted, and taught, the DAA (Dancing Achievement Award) programme in Toronto. Moira is popular on the SCD workshop circuit.   

Level 3 dances in the Hurndale Room on lower level of Eastminster United Church on a springy wood floor.

Eastminster Church <map> is at 310 Danforth Ave. one block west of Chester station. Enter church by east-side door.

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

Beginner Classes (Level 1) ~ Monday Evenings  ~  North Toronto


Mondays: 7:30 - 9:30pm — Venue TBA    Each semester is 10 weeks: $100

Autumn Semester: Dates TBA    < Teacher may change >

▶︎ Pre-register to join the class - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

The Level 1 (Basic/Beginner) dancer learns the five basic steps of Scottish country dance, and some of common formations.  These elements are combined in simple dances that incorporate the steps and formations taught.  After 10 weeks you’ll be equipped to join in the fun of the March Beginners’ Night Dance with live music, and a crowd of experienced dancers eager to be your partner.

Teacher: David Booz, has been dancing Scottish since he was a young fellow in Georgina Finlay’s legendary demo team. Students in one of his previous Beginner Classes were so inspired by his teaching that they got together and established their own weekly social group, which continues to this day.

The parish hall of St. Leonard’s Anglican is a big room with a sprung wood floor, and it’s handy to the subway (2-minute walk north of Lawrence station).

St. Leonard’s Anglican, 25 Wanless Avenue <map>, just off Yonge Street, just north of Lawrence.

Class Co-ordinator:  Cheryl Catt

Beginner Classes (Level 1) at Eastminster ~ Thursday Evenings ~ Central Toronto


Thursdays: 7:30 - 9:30pm  —  at Eastminster United Church on Danforth <map>

Autumn Semester: Dates TBA      < Teacher may change >

▶︎   Pre-register to join the class - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

The Level 1 (Basic/Beginner) dancer learns the five basic steps of Scottish country dance, and some of common formations.  These elements are combined in simple dances that incorporate the steps and formations taught.  After 10 weeks you’ll be ready to join in the fun of social dances, and many experienced dancers eager to be your partner.

Teacher: Keith Bark was awarded the Scroll of Honour for services to Scottish Country Dance. Keith is a gifted teacher with an impish sense of humour.

Level 1 is in the Eastminster Gymnasium (the gym has a wood floor designed for basketball).

Eastminster Church <map> is at 310 Danforth Ave. one block west of Chester station, near Carrot Common.

Enter church by the east-side door and go downstairs, turn left to the Gym.

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

Level 2 Classes (Improvers) at Eastminster ~ Thursday Evenings ~ Central Toronto


Thursdays: 7:30 - 9:30pm  —  at Eastminster United Church on Danforth <map>

Autumn Semester: Dates TBA      < Teacher may change >

▶︎ Pre-register to join the class - and bring a Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf to class.

The Level 2 (Intermediate) classes build on the steps and formations learned at the Basic Level, as well as introducing more complex formations.  Dancers become more confident in skills and abilities, and enjoy the challenge of more complex dances.

Teacher: Deirdre MacCuish Bark, was awarded the Scroll of Honour for services to Scottish Country Dance. Her love of Scottish country dance connects her to childhood memories of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. She is a skilful, patient teacher and a gifted dance devisor. She will improve your dancing skills and you will have fun learning to be better. 

Level 2 dances in the Hurndale Room on lower level of Eastminster United Church on a springy wood floor.

Eastminster Church <map> is at 310 Danforth Ave. one block west of Chester station. 

Enter Eastminster Church by the east-side door, go downstairs, turn right to the Hurndale Room.

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631




 

Classes for youth    ~    Scottish Step Classes    ~    Virtual Classes

Download: Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf ▶︎ Complete and take to 1st class ◀︎ formal-lessons_files/Covid-19-Attestation-v3_6.pdfformal-lessons_files/Covid-19-Attestation-v3_7.pdfshapeimage_10_link_0

      

New Beginner classes start in September.

Meanwhile, a few ‘Improver’ classes are listed below.

Pre-registration required ~ Complete this online form
or email Classes Convenor Anne Bishop


  1. •    • Proof of full vaccination required

  2. •    • Temperature checks, and Covid-19-Attestation-v3.pdf at the door

  3. •    • Masks while dancing;  no food;  bring your own water

          • Any other procedural details will be posted here as they develop

 
Apr 13-May 25