Scottish country dance (SCD) is the traditional social dance of Scotland. It’s based on ancient folk dances, mixed with elements of ballet, influences from the Royal Court of France, and a small bit of overlap with Highland dancing. Scottish country dance was carried around the world by Scottish emigrants, and by Highland regiments. It remains popular world-wide, even in unlikely places such as Fr
ance, Italy, Japan and Russia. SCD is great fun for young and old but it IS challenging mentally and physically. You should be moderately fit, and reasonably quick on the uptake. Some people can pick it up on the fly, but we do offer lessons as part of the evening. Some of the dances we do are up to 300 years old; others are newly (and cleverly) devised to incorporate intricate formations. We dance lively jigs and reels and the distinctively Scottish, very stately, Strathspey. Typically, dances are in sets of three or four couples, much like square dancing. King Edward Scottish Country Dancers began in 2011. We dance in the main hall of Unity Christian High School, which was formerly known as King Edward School. This hall has a wooden floor which is very kind to the dancers’ feet. We are a friendly group, and we change partners after every dance. We dance in a very relaxed atmosphere, with a break for tea, cookies and a chat part way through the evening. No partner is needed. Come alone or come with a friend. Teachers: Sue and Bill Scott. Both Sue and Bill hold Teachers’ Certificates from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Where: Unity Christian High School, 25 Burton Avenue, just east of Essa Road in Allandale,
Barrie. When: Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Next session will begin on Wed Sept 17, 2025. How Much: The first night is free, so you can try it out. Regular nightly fee is $6.00
Contacts: Phone 705 737 2493, or email Sue at [email protected] or Bill at
[email protected]