Lessons for Beginners & Improvers

 

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


Mondays: 7:30 - 9:30pm — at Calvin Presbyterian Church, Yonge & St Clair <map>

▶︎  Fall Classes:  Sept 22 - Dec 22, 2025 (no class Oct 13 - Thanksgiving)

    Registration for Fall is NOW OPEN !

▶︎  Winter Classes:  Jan 5 - March 16, 2026 (no class Feb 16 - Family Day)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
    Registration for Classes starting in January opens closer to the day.

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: Jean Noble, has been dancing Scottish since she was a wee girl in Scotland. She became a tutor and trained many aspiring teachers to gain their Teacher Certificates. She has a gentle, precise manner, and an impish sense of humour. She will tell you many stories.

Calvin Presbyterian has a 65-yr history of hosting Scottish country dancing. The room has a good wood floor, and the church is handy to the subway (5-minute walk north from St Clair Station). There is Green P Parking just next door.

Lower Hall of Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave <map>, just off Yonge, just north of St Clair.

Enter via east side red doors (not the grand main entrance!), go down stairs to Lower Hall (on your right).

Class Rep:  Cheryl Catt  Note: Dancers, please arrive 15 mins early for registration.

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


Mondays:  7:30-9:30pm  at Alderwood Community Centre, Etobicoke <map> 

▶︎  Fall Semester:  Sept 29 - Dec 18 17, 2025 (no class Family Day Feb 17)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Fall is NOW OPEN !

▶︎  Winter Classes:  Jan 12 - March 23, 2026 (no class Feb 16 - Thanksgiving)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Classes starting in January opens closer to the day.

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: Arlene Koteff qualified for her teachers’ certificate in 2018, at St Andrews, Scotland. She loves to spread the enjoyment that is Scottish country dancing to others. Since 2014 she has taught the Bloorlea social group (now also based at Alderwood CC).

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 Rep:  Alex Sutton  416.915-1417   Note: Dancers, please arrive 15 mins early for registration

Beginner Classes (Level 1) ~ Tuesday Evenings ~ Central Toronto (St Barnabas)


Mondays:  7:30-9:30 pm  —  St Barnabas on The Danforth Church <map>

▶︎  Fall Classes:  Sept 23 - Nov 25, 2025 (no class Family Day Feb 17)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Fall is NOW OPEN !

▶︎  Winter Classes:  Jan 12 - March 23, 2026 (no class Feb 16 - Thanksgiving)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Classes starting in January opens closer to the day.

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: Moira Korus grew up dancing Scottish as a child in Edinburgh, and attained her full certificate in 2006. Moira teaches the Rosedale Children’s Group (info here) 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.

Upper Hall, St Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave <map>  (Chester subway).
Enter classes from west side, via Hampton Ave; cross playground; straight ahead thru black arched door; climb stairs to Upper Hall. 

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

Level 2 Classes (Improvers) ~ Tuesday Evenings ~ Central Toronto (St Barnabas)


New time: Tuesdays: 7:00 - 9:00 pm  —  St Barnabas on The Danforth Church <map>

▶︎  Fall Classes:  Sept 13 -  Nov 25, 2025   10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Fall is NOW OPEN !
▶︎  Winter Classes:  Jan 13 - March 24, 2026 (no class March 17, Shrove Tuesday)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
   Registration for Classes starting in January opens closer to the day

The Level 2 (Improvers) dancers work on technique for steps common in Scottish country dances, plus more advanced steps and formations. These elements are combined in interesting, sometimes challenging dances, that incorporate steps and formations learned in beginner classes, plus new Level 2 steps and formations. After 10 weeks you will have more confidence and experience to spread your wings at different dance groups and workshops.

Teacher: David Booz danced with the legendary Georgina Finlay youth team, which toured all over North America. David also taught many years at the Rosedale dance group, and often teaches at workshops across Canada.

1st half hour at Upper Hall; rest of class at Reception Room.
Feb 3 and March 3 will be a joint class in Upper Hall (Reception Room used for a meeting) 

St Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave <map>  (Chester subway).
Enter church from west side, via Hampton Ave; cross playground; straight ahead thru black arched door; climb stairs to Upper Hall. 

Class Co-ordinator: Anne Bishop   416.466-4631

Extension Classes (2026) ~ Tuesday Evenings ~ Central Toronto (St Barnabas)


Mondays:  7:30-9:30 pm  —  St Barnabas on The Danforth Church <map>

▶︎  Extension Classes:  March 13 - May 19
    8 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
     Registration for Extension Classes opens in January.

Teachers: Moira Korus & David Booz will enrich your beginner/improver experiences. You will grow in experience and confidence, and feel ready to join the crowd at June’s Dancing In The Park. There is usually a big turnout of experienced dances from all over the GTA, plus park visitors eager enjoy the action. Many will want to join in the the fun and you will be one of the dancers to help them through the program.

This is not a teaching event, it’s simple fun.

It’s also a great marketing and recruitment opportunity. Who knows who you might meet.

More info on Dancing In The Park here.



Level 3 Classes (Improvers) ~ Monday Evenings ~ Calvin Presbyterian Church


Mondays: 7:30 - 9:30pm — Calvin Presbyterian Church, Yonge & St Clair <map>

▶︎  Spring Classes 2026:  March 23 - May 11   (No class Apr 6 - (Easter Monday)
    10 weeks: Members: $125   non-Members: $150
    Registration for Level 3 opens closer to the day.

The Level 3 Class is for dancers familiar with more challenging steps and formations and who wish to further improve their skills. The classes feature more challenging dances suited for dancers who dancers capable of quickly picking up, and remembering instruction. The class will be somewhat high energy and challenging –- and a great deal fun who seek that environment.

Teacher: Gavin Keachie danced of the Rosedale Children's Group since age 4, and has been dancing ever since. As a teen he was granted a scholarship at  RSCDS St Andrews Summer School in Scotland, and attended many scholarships since. More recently, has taught workshops at cities in the GTA, and around the country. All this while working on advanced degrees in Europe and Canada. 

Lower Hall of Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave <map>, just off Yonge, just north of St Clair.

Enter via east side red doors (not the grand main entrance!), go down stairs to Lower Hall (on your right).

Class Rep:  Cheryl Catt  Note: Dancers, please arrive 15 mins early for registration.


 

RSCDS Toronto offers classes for adults of all ages and dance abilities, whether you’re just beginning, or danced for decades. Come join us and share the wonderful experience of Scottish country dance!

Classes are in three locations around the GTA. Teachers are accredited by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Edinburgh. RSCDS Toronto is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Society.




 

New Beginner classes begin in early September

Think about Membership. . .

Members get a discount on classes (and other events), but there are broader reasons to become a Member of RSCDS Toronto.

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 difficulty and expense), the testing and publication of dances, and the production of CDs for the music we dance to.

Plus, Members 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. You will receive our monthly newsletter Set & Link and twice a year you’ll get Scottish Country Dancer magazine directly from Scotland.

Safety First…

Emergency Contact: 

Occasionally, there’s a medical emergency while dancing. Dancers are reminded to have their emergency contact information on their person at all Scottish county dance events.


COVID Protocols: 

1. Vaccinations against COVID are highly recommended for those attending an RSCDS Toronto Event.

2. Masks are recommended but not mandatory.

  1. 3.Do not attend an RSCDS Toronto event if:
    • you have symptoms of COVID or any other contagious disease;
    • you tested positive for COVID in the last
    7 days;
    • any close contact tested positive for COVID in the last 7 days.

  2. 4.Hand Sanitizer is available at all RSCDS Toronto Events.

 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!