Brief introduction to Scottish Country Dancing.

Firstly:     You don't have to be Scottish to do it! 
                You don't have to live in the country!
                And you don't have to be able to dance already!

Scottish Country Dancing is a very enjoyable way of meeting people and keeping both body and mind fit!  Although it has its roots in Scotland, where it has been enjoyed for generations, it is now done throughout the world. Indeed, many of the modern dances have been written outside Scotland and have contributed to its development.

The main object of the dance is social. Enjoyment comes from moving to the rhythm of the music, with a partner, in conjunction with other couples. It is very much a team effort and the enjoyment is enhanced with the mental stimulation of successfully remembering all the movements, at the right time!

Dances come in three tempos.  

• Reels are fast, flowing and probably the most energetic.
• Jigs are also fast but a bit more bouncy. 
• The slower Strathspeys are more elegant with a wealth of beautiful slow airs to accompany them.

Dances are performed in sets, the most common being a longways set of four couples, with first couple being closest to the band. 

• Typically first couple will dance with the second and third couple in figures taking 32 bars of music. 
• They will then have progressed to 2nd place from where they repeat the dance with 3rd & 4th couple. 
• The dance then continues with the original second couple repeating the movements from first place.
• Each of the four couple thus dances twice - 8 times in all.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in Glasgow in 1923 and rapidly developed into a world wide organisation with its Head Quarters in Edinburgh.  www.rscds.org