F.A.Q
Do I have to be an experienced dancer to dance Scottish?
No. People of all ages, backgrounds, fitness and experience enjoy Scottish Country Dance. If you have danced before, you may find it quicker to pick up the steps and movements, but it is an easy social form of dancing for everyone.
Do I have to sign up for a series of classes?
No. You can attend classes whenever you like. Attendance is casual, however, as with all things, the more often you do it, the quicker you will remember things and improve.
Do I need special shoes to dance Scottish?
No.
No doubt back in the 1800s people wore their day or work boots or shoes to dance.
These days, you can wear comfortable sneakers or soft soled shoes.
If you do want to get proper dance shoes, consider getting some Scottish Country Dancing pumps or ghillies. Some people wear soft leather ballet shoes, or jazz shoes.
There are several local and overseas suppliers. Talk with your teacher about shoes if you are not sure.
No doubt back in the 1800s people wore their day or work boots or shoes to dance.
These days, you can wear comfortable sneakers or soft soled shoes.
If you do want to get proper dance shoes, consider getting some Scottish Country Dancing pumps or ghillies. Some people wear soft leather ballet shoes, or jazz shoes.
There are several local and overseas suppliers. Talk with your teacher about shoes if you are not sure.
Do I need to wear a kilt or special clothing to dance Scottish?
No.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable that you can move in.
Many men wear trousers to regular classes but choose to wear a kilt to special occasions, ceilidhs and socials.
Women can wear trousers or skirts or dresses, depending on what they feel most comfortable in.
Most dancers wear some layers so as they warm up they can stay comfortable, and they also bring water with them to drink.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable that you can move in.
Many men wear trousers to regular classes but choose to wear a kilt to special occasions, ceilidhs and socials.
Women can wear trousers or skirts or dresses, depending on what they feel most comfortable in.
Most dancers wear some layers so as they warm up they can stay comfortable, and they also bring water with them to drink.
How much does it cost to dance Scottish?
Class costs vary from teacher to teacher, so you should check with them.
Usually, a class only costs a few dollars, probably the price of a coffee or a glass of wine. A very frugal way to get fit and to have a good time with friends.
Usually, a class only costs a few dollars, probably the price of a coffee or a glass of wine. A very frugal way to get fit and to have a good time with friends.
Do I have to stick with one teacher?
You can dance as often as you would like, depending on when you are available and when a suitable class is offered.
If you wish, you might want to dance several times a week, with different teachers, at different locations.
If you wish, you might want to dance several times a week, with different teachers, at different locations.
Do I have to bring a dancing partner along to dance Scottish?
No, but by all means, if you have a friend or friends who would also like to do Scottish Country Dance, feel free to bring them along. Even if they don't wish to dance, they are welcome to sit and enjoy the music and watch the action.
If not, you are most welcome to come along on your own and you will find plenty of others to dance with you.
If not, you are most welcome to come along on your own and you will find plenty of others to dance with you.
Do I have to join the RSCDS Adelaide Branch?
No, you can come along to classes and do Scottish Country Dance without being a member.
However, there are many benefits to being a member of the Adelaide Branch. Talk it over with your teacher if you are thinking about joining us.
However, there are many benefits to being a member of the Adelaide Branch. Talk it over with your teacher if you are thinking about joining us.
Can I dance Scottish all year round?
Most classes take a break during the summer holiday season, usually from mid-December to mid-January. How long each class takes a break varies, so check with your teacher.
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with your teacher about whether their venue is air-conditioned.
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with your teacher about whether their venue is air-conditioned.
What kind of music do we dance Scottish to?
Scottish country dances include reels (including hornpipes), jigs, and strathspeys according to the type of music to which they are danced. The first two types (also called quick-time dances) feature fast tempos, quick movements and a lively feel. The third type (strathspey) has a much slower tempo and a more elegant style.
The tunes are played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums, etc. (no bagpipes, mostly!). For an idea of the music we dance to, check out the Scottish Tunes page.
The tunes are played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums, etc. (no bagpipes, mostly!). For an idea of the music we dance to, check out the Scottish Tunes page.