Dance Scottish
Adelaide, South Australia
There are shortcuts to happiness, and one of them is DANCING
Need a new activity?
Try our classes around Adelaide and Fleurieu
Contact
- 44a Fourth Avenue, Saint Peters SA, Australia (Branch Class)
- PO Box 508, North Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5006
- 0410 899 557 - Secretary, RSCDS Adelaide
- secretary@rscdsadelaide.org.au
- We offer classes far and wide from Collinswood to Victor Harbor, most days of the week, day and evening. We also hold regular events. Our Branch Class is held Tuesday nights at Spicer Uniting Church Hall.
About
- Fun for all ages
- Exercises your body and mind
- Provides friendship
- Great music
- No partner needed.
It has its roots in the Highland Reels of Scotland and the 17th century dances of Europe. Together with its English counterpart, Scottish country dance has helped to spawn ceilidh dancing, contra and square dancing.
It is a dance for the ballroom, dance hall, village square or local inn. It has been popular amongst gentry, royalty and the common folk for well over 200 years.
In Adelaide we dance Scottish in schools and church halls, clubs and pubs, as well as each other’s back yards and lounge rooms.
There are well over 15,000 documented Scottish country dances and the list is constantly growing. Many of these are listed and detailed in the Strathspey Server Dance Database.
Benefits of Scottish dancing - Fitness, Fun, Friends
FITNESS
It is well established that participation in adequate amounts of regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death by helping to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; lower blood cholesterol; reduce blood pressure in people who already
have hypertension (high blood pressure); improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, depression; build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; and keep older adults physically strong and better able to move about without falling or becoming too tired."
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FitnessFitness
FUN
A study from the University of Strathclyde, in 2010, showed Scottish country dancing to be superior to other forms of physical activity in building levels of fitness.
A Canadian study found Scottish country dancing to be superior to folk and square dancing, and research from the University of Cumbria, published in January 2014 suggests that participation in Scottish country dancing could reduce the ageing process.
It also helps to prevent dementia through the complex interplay of cognitive skills needed to memorise steps and formations, interaction with other dancers, and the effect of dance music on the mind."
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FunFun
FRIENDSHIP
The social aspect of Scottish country dancing develops a sense of community and enjoyment, which encourages continued participation, and long term involvement, and is linked with good health, a positive attitude and longevity.
With about 160 branches all around the world, and 9 across Australia, you will find a class just about everywhere you go. So you can travel the globe, with your dancing shoes, and make new dancing friends wherever you go."
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FriendshipFriendship
Classes
Dance Scottish Classes
Classes across Adelaide and Districts were suspended during South Australia's recent 7 day lockdown. Covid-19 guidelines are being followed to keep all of our dancing community safe, meaning that any classes must comply with their venue's Covid Safe Plan and meet indoor fitness density requirements of 1 person per 4 sq metres.
Learn MoreAdelaide Branch
Tuesdays 8.00 pm - 9.30 pm. Spicer Uniting Church, 44A Fourth Ave, St Peters Members and non-members welcome. $10 per class. Term 3 teacher is Barbara Lupton.
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Thursdays 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm. St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Saturdays 7.30 pm - 9:30 pm. St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens.
Learn MoreBurnside
Mondays 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Beginners welcome. This is a mixed class of newer and more experienced dancers. Rose Park Scout Hall, Hewitt Ave, Rose Park. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreBurnside
Wednesdays 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm Beginners welcome. This is a mixed class of newer and more experienced dancers. Rose Park Scout Hall, Hewitt Ave, Rose Park. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreBydand
Fridays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. St Margaret’s Church Hall, cnr Port and Woodville Roads, Woodville. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreCollinswood Dancers
Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am The Druids Hall, Cassie St, Collinswood. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreFriday Night Spicer
Fridays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. Spicer Uniting Church, 44A, Fourth Ave, St Peters. This class is suspended until October whilst the teacher is away.
Learn MoreHebridean Dancers
Wednesdays 11 am - 12:30 pm Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn SA 5062.
Learn MoreVictor Harbor Scottish Country Dance Group
Mondays 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm Victor Harbor Senior Citizens Club. “Carrackalinga House”, cnr Torrens St and Hill St, Victor Harbor
Learn MoreEvents
NEW DATE: SUNDAY 24 October 2021 Our premier event of the year. Postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Live musicians: Black Bear Duo (Iain Mckenzie & Emma Nixon. Open to spectators to enjoy the atmosphere and music. Tickets will be available from class teachers, or the Treasurer (Judy Noble).
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Teacher: Jean Dodds Morning workshop, followed by an afternoon of Social Dancing. More details and registration coming soon.
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12 months later than planned - better than never. Help TASCAL celebrate their 50th Anniversary Weekend in Hobart, Tasmania. A weekend full of great events.
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Social to celebrate Margot's 90th birthday. $5 cash at the venue door. Please bring a small plate of supper to share – Covid 19 safe thank you: bring pre-wrapped or individual servings and tongs will also be used to serve the supper. Tea & coffee supplied.
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Program for beginners (or those returning to Scottish Country Dancing after a long break). Suitable for ages 10+. 8 weeks of 2 hour lessons, on Saturdays 10 am - 12 noon. Will cover all the basics of Reel and Strathspey steps, and the most popular formations used in dances. Get fit, have fun, enjoy moving to music.
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Come and try Scottish country dancing. Discover its origins, how migrants spread it across the world, and how this social dancing is still evolving. Please register using the Tickets box on this page (to help with Covid-safe event management).
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Calling all budding dancers in the Mt Barker, Strathalbyn and Fleurieu regions. An evening of family fun, to try your hand (feet actually) at Scottish dancing. Easy ceilidh dances will be called on the night. Live music from @BrendanFeisMusic
Read MoreCome and enjoy being taught by our Branch President, Neville Pope. Class: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm BYO lunch break 12:30 – 1:30 pm Social afternoon: 1.30 – 3:30 pm These events are suitable for dancers with some experience. Costs: RSCDS Members: $10 for a session, $15 for the whole day. non-members: $12 for a session, $18 for the whole day.
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The get togethers will bring dancers from each Adelaide and Districts Class group together with representatives from the Committee, three times a year, for a discussion and sharing session, including updates, concerns, questions, ideas and suggestions, over a cuppa and some biscuits. Meeting will start at 10:15 am. Class Reps RSVP by 10 February to Treasurer, Judy Noble, email: treasurer@rscdsadelaide.org.au or Tel/text 0428683907 to assist with Covid safe planning and catering.
Read MoreAdelaide Branch Class resumes weekly on Tuesday evenings on 2 February 2021. Term 1 Teacher is Noriel Tarca.
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Afternoon social to honour Jean Lumsden and to bring in the new Scottish dancing year.
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Carried over from last year... Come and enjoy music and dancing after the AGM. An easy social of favourite and familiar dances, to enjoy Scottish music and dance. Dances will be walked on the day. $10 RSCDS Members, $12 non-Members.
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Calling all RSCDS Adelaide and Districts Members. Hear from your Branch President, Treasurer and Teachers' Panel about the year that was 2020, and what is proposed for 2021. Have your say on the 2021 Committee, Membership Fees, proposed events, or nominate to be a part of the action and join the Committee in 2021.
Read MoreTeacher: Barbara Lupton. Morning workshop, followed by an afternoon of Social Dancing. Registrations close 28 Feb 2020.
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6 Come and Try sessions to introduce you to Scottish Country Dancing. Thursdays 11 am - 12 noon, 27 February until 2 April 2020. Barbara Lupton will lead the sessions. No prior experience or partner required.
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Afternoon social to bring in the new Scottish dancing year. Music by Elizabeth Baillie. RSCDS Members $10, others $15 (cash only at door please). Please bring some supper to share afterwards.
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Tickets will be available at the door. $5 for non-members. Please bring supper to share.
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http://dancescottish.org.nz/summerschools.php http://dancescottish.org.nz/stored/ss2019-flyer.jpg
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St Andrew's Day afternoon social. Celebrate Scotland's big day with some dancing or delight to the live music of Telenn Tri.
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All members are invited to attend and have your say. If you are a member, please consider joining the Committee in 2020.
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Day of dancing at Spicer Uniting Church Hall, with a morning workshop, and afternoon of social dancing. Please register through your teacher by Fri 18/10/2019 (form below). Morning workshop: Morning tea provided. Please BYO Lunch. Afternoon Social: a small afternoon tea will be supplied after the dancing.
Read MoreDay of dancing at Spicer Uniting Church Hall, with a morning workshop, and afternoon of social dancing. Registrations to your teacher by Fri 18/10/2019 (form below). Morning workshop: Morning tea provided. Please BYO Lunch. Afternoon Social: a small afternoon tea will be supplied after the dancing.
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http://www.rscds-canberra.org/
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Join in the birthday celebration dance for Hilda. Please bring a small plate of supper. $5 at the door. Elizabeth at the keyboard.
Read MoreCeilidh / Easy Dance Social. All dances will be called. Ideal for those wanting to try, inexperienced or beginner dancers, and experienced dancers looking for a fun night out or to bring a friend to give it a go. Dancing suitable age 10+.
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Tickets are now SOLD OUT. Please wear tartan on the night. Contact: Chris Hawkins on 0402 900 255
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Adults $45, 18 and under $15, Spectators $25. Supper included. Music by Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt.
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A 2 hour concert showcasing traditional music of Scotland across various regions and through the ages. Delight to the fiddle, accordion and piano. Includes 20 min interval. World class musicians: Judi Nicolson, Ian Muir, Kathy Fraser-Collins.
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Our premier event of the year. Live music by Judi Nicolson, Ian Muir, and Kathy Fraser-Collins. The Ball Program and minicribs are available at http://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/22401/ or links to printable documents are below...
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Workshop for musicians - how to play for Scottish Country Dancing Fiddle, Accordion, Piano Teachers: Judi Nicolson - fiddle, Ian Muir - accordion, Kathy Fraser-Collins - piano.
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Celebrate the music and dancing of Scotland, to coincide with the memorial laying of a wreath to honour the Scots bard, Robert Burns.
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https://www.rscds.org/article/book-now-for-summer-school-2019
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The Melbourne & District Branch extends a warm invitation to all dancers to meet at University College, University of Melbourne, College Crescent, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria for a fun filled week of Scottish Country Dancing with great teachers and musicians.
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Live music by Telenn Tri. Please bring supper to share. Children welcome, dancing from ages 10+. Members $10. Non-Members $15. Family (2 adults, 2 children) $30.
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https://rscds.org.au/_mgxroot/page_10797.html
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Adelaide Scottish Country Dance & Social Club Birthday Social - 49 Years Young! Tribute to Lily Davison and Yvonne Hutchinson. Please bring a small plate of supper. Cost Non-members $6. Pay at the door. Program below. Contact Lorraine on 8255 9243 for "cheat sheets".
Read MoreDay of dancing at Willunga, with a morning workshop, and afternoon of social dancing. RSCDS Members: $10 half day, $15 full day. Non-Members: $12 half day, $18 full day. Teacher: Neville Pope. Morning workshop: Morning tea provided. Please BYO Lunch. Afternoon Social: a small afternoon tea will be supplied after the dancing.
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The fourth Dance Tassie tour will be held in March 2019. This is a preliminary notice so you can keep the dates free. Bob McInnes (fiddle) and Jane Ellis (piano) will again enliven our dancing. Full details for the itinerary and costs are still being finalised, but the cost for all accommodation, mini-bus transport, musicians, dance nights and some meals will be under $1000 per person.
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Welcome back to all dancers for our first social of 2019. Dance in air-conditioned comfort. Pay entry at the door. $10 RSCDS Members. $12 non-members. Sign up on the day and pay members' price. Please bring supper to share after the dancing.
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Basic Teaching Skills Course (Unit 0) for those interested in or intending to teach classes in the future. A first step on the road to teacher qualification. Course taken by former Chair of the Society, Ms Helen Russell. 2 day course, Saturday 12/1 and Sunday 13/1/2019, 9 am - 5 pm both days. Inquiries to the President, Andrew Timmins.
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Hosted by Adelaide SCD & Social Club. Popular dances, all called and/or walked. All very welcome, please bring a small plate of supper to see in the New Year. Cost $6 at the door.
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Celebrate St Andrew's night with the Bydand Class, enjoying a program of tartan and placename Scottish Dances. Please bring supper to share afterwards. $5 at the door.
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All members are asked to attend and have your say. If you are a member, please consider joining the Committee in 2019.
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$5 at door. Please bring some supper to share.
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Victor Harbor Senior Citizens invite you to a Scottish Ceilidh Night. $5.00, under 12s free. Tickets must be PRE-PURCHASED through Chris on 0405 900 255 or Colleen 0408 841 921. BYO drinks and supper to share.
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Come and meet the Chair of the Society, Helen Russell, and enjoy an evening of her teaching. General class open to all dancers. $8 members. $10 non-members.
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The gala event of the year for Adelaide Scottish Country Dancers. Live music by Iain Mckenzie & Emma Nixon - Black Bear Duo Light supper included. Drinks available at the bar. Tickets available now from the Secretary or through your dance teacher. $35 RSCDS Members. $45 non-members. $20 U16 / Spectators.
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Stay on after the morning class, or join us in the afternoon for a social amongst the almond blossom at Willunga. $10 RSCDS Members, $12 non-Members.
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Debbie Roxburgh from New Zealand is coming to us to take this Day School after teaching at the Australian Winter School. Come and enjoy a fabulous day amongst the almond blossom at Willunga. $10 RSCDS Members, $12 non-Members
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Remember your Gloves. Ladies: Give your tiaras, diamonds and pearls an airing. Headscarves for Balmoral celebrations optional. Gentlemen: Polish your medals and shine your shoes. Refreshments: Please bring a plate of supper to share at the Reception to follow, and a bottle if you wish.
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Stay on after the morning class, or come and join in for the afternoon social. $10 Members ($15 whole day) $12 Non-Members ($18 whole day)
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Day school in the morning 10 am - 12:30 pm Bring your own lunch. Members $10 Non-Members $12
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Bring a plate of supper to share.
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Come and join the Adelaide Scottish Country Dance and Social Club celebrate St Andrew's Day.
Read MoreF.A.Q
Do I have to sign up for a series of classes?
When you take up Scottish Country Dancing, as with all things, the more often you do it, the quicker you will remember things and improve. We recommend to attend a class regularly for at least 6-8 weeks to cover the basics.
But you do not have to sign up to classes by the Term, as attendance can be casual. Most classes cost about the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Do I need to wear a kilt or special clothing to dance Scottish?
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.
What about shoes?
These days, most regular dancers find it more comfortable to wear dance shoes, be they ballet shoes, practice sneakers, jazz shoes, Scottish pumps or ghillies. It all depends on your preference and budget.
Ask your class teacher or fellow dancers for some recommendations.
Do I have to stick with one teacher or class?
If you wish, you might want to dance several times a week, with different teachers, at different locations.
Adelaide Branch Class is ideal for this as you will have the chance to learn from a variety of teachers throughout the year.
Do I have to have danced before?
Previous dancing experience like ballroom, ballet, bush or folk dancing etc may mean you pick things up more quickly, but you definitely do not need any prior experience.
It is more important that you enjoy moving to music and dancing with a variety of people, as it is social dancing with different partners throughout the class.
Do I need a dance partner?
In fact, Scottish Country Dancing is a great way to meet new friends as you will have an opportunity to dance with a variety of people at each class or at any event.
What about socials or ceilidhs?
If you have absolutely no experience of SCD, you are still welcome to come along and watch (and maybe a more experienced dancer will help you through the more simple dances).
The Annual Adelaide Branch Ball is for regular and more experienced dancers who have learnt and practiced the Ball dances throughout the year at their classes. However, spectators are also most welcome to enjoy the music and atmosphere of the Ball.
Do I have to join the RSCDS Adelaide Branch?
However, there are many benefits to being a member of the Adelaide Branch, especially if you dance regularly. We'd love you to join our Branch and help support SCD into the future.
Can I dance Scottish all year round?
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with the class teacher about whether their venue is air-conditioned.
What kind of music do we dance Scottish to?
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.
Still have a question?
Or follow our Facebook page to check out our events and opportunities for beginners, visitors or regular dancers.
For Dancers...
Core Dances for 2021
The following dances have been selected as Core Dances for 2021. These dances will be taught at classes and may be included on social programs and the Adelaide Annual Branch Ball.
Keeping you safe during the Covid-19 Pandemic
UPDATE 23/09/2021 Restrictions eased in South Australia on 28 July 2021, following the July lock down, allowing Scottish Country Dance classes to resume. Restrictions have further eased on 22 September 2021 to allow dancing at a private function and private activity where up to 150 people are present. However, it is capped at 50 people dancing at any given time. There is no requirement to wear a mask. Dancing is not permitted at nightclubs or relevant licensed premises except for when hosting a private function. 150 person maximum and cap of 50 people dancing at any given time applies. All classes will have their own Covid-Safe Plans available to view and a Covid Marshal to ensure that the plan is followed for each venue. Each plan is regularly updated to reflect advice from the SA Government. Remember that you should NOT attend any class if you are feeling unwell, for any reason, or whilst isolating awaiting a result for a Covid-19 test.
Adelaide Branch
On 29 June 1952 Mr W J Rattray wrote to the RSCDS Secretary in Scotland proposing the formation of a properly consitituted RSCDS Branch in Adelaide. The Branch was duly approved by the RSCDS Executive Council on 30 July 1952, and confirmed by letter dated 5 August 1952 from the then Secretary, Miss Muriel F Hadden. Adelaide was the first RSCDS Branch within Australia, holding its first meeting on 7 August 1952 in Woodville RSL Hall.
Key people in forming the Adelaide Branch were:
- Mr W J Rattray.
- Mr K and Mrs M Goldie. Mr Goldie was elected as initial President of the Branch. Mrs Goldie was the initial Branch teacher.
- Mr and Mrs Dickson
- Mrs S Rattray, who was elected as initial Secretary of the Branch.
Mr John Rattray
Mr and Mrs Goldie
The Adelaide Branch will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022.
Join the Branch
Your Membership - Benefits and Investment
For about $1 per week you can be part of a world-wide society of dancers, plus support your local teacher and Branch to continue providing you with fun, fitness and socialising through Scottish Country Dancing.
Policies
Check the RSCDS Adelaide Branch Consitution, By Laws and Risk Management policies. We ask all dancers to complete and keep in their dancing bag their Emergency Contact details, should any emergency arise during a class or event. Download a form in Policies.
Newsletter
Members receive a quarterly newsletter called Reel Spiel, about what is happening around the Adelaide and districts Scottish Country Dancing scene. Members also receive a quality magazine twice a year from RSCDS Headquarters, informing about world-wide dancing activities, the work of the Committees and dancers’ products.
Teachers - Adelaide
Vale Jean Lumsden
Passed away 10 May 2020. A social in honour of her memory will be held Sat 30 January 2021.
Committee - Adelaide
Adelaide and Districts Branch
We preserve and further the practice of traditional Scottish Country Dance
Membership of the Committee is open to financial members of the Adelaide and Districts Branch, through nomination on an appropriate form. Your 2021 Committee has just been elected.
Neville Pope
President
Anna Grant - Henderson
Secretary
Judy Noble
Treasurer
Sharon Vincin
Web and Social Media Editor
Dorothy Bagnall
Member
Pamela Cook
Member
Rosemary Fotheringham
Member
Roy Hetherington
Member
Jean Dodds
Chair, Teachers' Panel
Performances
We love being part of South Australia's rich multicultural tapestry and sharing our Scottish heritage with everyone. We are available to dance Scottish for performances, demonstrations and 'come and try' sessions
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Community Events
We are only too happy to support Adelaide and surrounding community events by providing demonstrations of Scottish Country Dance at fairs, fetes, and celebrations.
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Supporting Scottish Events
We regularly participate in and entertain at local Scottish events, such as Robert Burns functions, St Andrew's Day, Tartan Day, and Highland Gatherings.
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Social Entertainment
Want to have fun at your private function? Needing to entertain your nursing home or retirement village residents? We can get their toes tapping for a fun program of Scottish dance, watching, and also having a try with us.
Learn MoreRSCDS
The Branches (also known as Local Associations) are independent, autonomous bodies that operate under a Licence Agreement with the Society. Branches and Affiliated Groups are the “grass roots” organisations that run classes, provide training and host social events at a local level in their own areas.
Members of the RSCDS, through the Branches, appoint delegates to represent them at the Society’s General Meetings.
RSCDS Membership
There are many reasons to join the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, but most become members because it is a fun, enjoyable way to keep active and socialise with people from around the world!
Anyone can join the RSCDS.
Active dancers and anyone who is interested are encouraged to join through one of the Society's 160+ Branches worldwide (either the local Adelaide branch, International Branch or Youth Branch) so that you are in touch with what is happening in your local area or wider.
Discover all the benefits of membership and learn more about the Society through the Membership Brochure.
History of the Society - RSCDS
In the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries, as the waltz and other ballroom and sequence dancing became popular, Scottish Country Dancing fell from favour. It was rescued by Dr Jean Milligan and Mrs Ysobel Stewart, the joint founder members in 1923 of what eventually became the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
The RSCDS researched old dance publications, published authoritative dance descriptions and undertook to train teachers; later, it helped members to set up RSCDS Branches and accepted independent Scottish Country Dance clubs as affiliated societies.
Subsequently, many devisers have published new dances, sometimes on their own account and sometimes under the aegis of the RSCDS, using the more basic Figures of the old répertoire together with newly devised Figures. There are now 51 books of dances published by the Society.
RSCDS Australia
Putting you in touch with groups around Australia.
RSCDS New Zealand
Information about Scottish Country Dancing in NZ.
Recent Happenings
Videos
Links and Resources
The Strathspey Server
Discussion group, with a wealth of SCD information and links
Dance Data
Largest SCD database on the web – contains comprehensive information on dances, formations, people, publications, albums, recordings, and tunes.
St Andrew's Shoes
Supplier of Scottish Dancing Shoes, based in Brisbane, Qld
Grand Chain
The Edinburgh Scottish Dance Resource
The Celtic Circle
Scottish Country Dance in Continental Europe
The Inter-City Scot
Information source about Scottish country dancing activities in Canada and the United States of America (USA).
Teachers' Association Canada TAC
Serving Scottish Dance teachers for over 50 years, and continue to grow and evolve
South Australian Scottish Resources
Groups, societies and businesses supporting Scottish culture across South Australia
Some Scottish Tunes
Acknowledgement
We dance on the Adelaide plains and Fleurieu Peninsula, and acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the traditional custodians of the land of the Adelaide Plains, and the Ngarrindjeri people are the traditional custodians of the land of the Fleurieu Peninsula. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land.
