What is Scottish Country Dancing?
Scottish Country Dancing is the traditional ballroom dance of Scotland.
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, based in Edinburgh, was founded
in 1923 to preserve this joyful social dance tradition. Since then Scottish
Country Dancing has spread all over the world.
Unlike Highland dances, which are usually solo performances accompanied by
bagpipes, Country Dances are danced with partners in sets of two or more
couples doing an exciting variety of formations. The music is provided by
a fiddle, flute, or piano, or by a band. Talent musicians play for parties and
some classes. The dances vary in tempo, included lively jigs, hornpipes and
reels, and the slower, elegant strathspeys.
You can see Scottish Country Dancing at Scottish Games & Gatherings and at
many other fairs and events. The San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS sponsors
classes in many Bay Area cities. The Branch holds monthly social dances, an
annual formal Valentine's Ball, a gala party at the Labor Day Games, an
annual weekend at Asilomar, special events and workshops, and publishes a
bimonthly newsletter.
Some comments heard from dancers:
"The music lifts my spirits!"
"I like dancing with men in kilts!"
"You don't need to come with a partner -everyone in class wants to dance!"
"The strathspeys are so elegant, and the jigs and reels are lively and fun!"
"You don't have to be Scottish to love Scottish country dancing!"
"It's a fun way to keep fit!"
"I love the sociability!"
Read about some of the health benefits of Scottish Dancing:
'Have A Fling' by Sean Thomas - An article from Men's Health (Australia - Jan 03)
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