About

Scottish Country Dancing is a traditional dance of Scotland. Many of the old dances such a Petronella and White Cockade are still popular. Since then many new dances have been added.

Scottish dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from many cultures. There is no need to have Scottish ancestry. There are groups in many non-Scottish countries around the world such as Japan, France and Singapore.

There is an expression that "The music tells you what to do." We usually dance to music from bands comprising accordions, keyboard, drums, and sometimes fiddles. Other times pianos or bagpipes get us moving. Jigs and reels are fast lively dances while elegant strathspeys and Scottish waltzes are slower.

In an evening's dance, you dance with many partners. The protocol is to choose a new partner for every dance - and it's proper for ladies to ask men. So, you don't need to bring your own partner. We usually dance in lines with sets of 4 couples, although some dances have a different formation. When the music starts, you bow or curtsey to your partner then go through a series of patterns which vary for each dance. In all but the most major balls, someone briefs the dances to explain what to do before the music starts. Often, the dance is walked during the briefing to further help you learn the dance.

In the Toronto area, you can join RSCDS Toronto Classes in downtown Toronto, and/or join one of our many social groups. In these, 15 to 50 people join together and do various dances which are briefed by an instructor. Usually they have recorded music. Some social groups are for beginners, others are for experienced dancers. There is no need to make an appointment to join one, just show up with a partner, a friend or by yourself.

There are Scottish dancers around the world do the same dances in the same way. Next time you go on a trip, pack your dancing shoes.  Chances are that wherever you go, be it Melbourne, Hamburg or Tokyo, there will be a local group that dances regularly and that would welcome a visitor.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, headquartered in Edinburgh Scotland, is an umbrella organization for the world-wide SCD community.  Founded in 1923, its aims are to protect and promote the standards of  Scottish country dancing.  It organizes an annual Summer School in St. Andrews, Scotland over 4 weeks in July and August.