Dance Scottish
Adelaide, South Australia
There are shortcuts to happiness, and one of them is DANCING
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Contact
- PO Box 508, North Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5006
- 0410899557
- secretary@rscdsadelaide.org.au
- Dance Scottish classes are available most days of the week, mornings, afternoons, or evenings.
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.
The first Branch in Australia - Adelaide
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 inital Secretary of the Branch.
Mr John Rattray
Mr and Mrs Goldie
Classes
NEW - BEGINNERS' COURSE
Dates: Saturdays 9/2/2019 - 13/4/2019 (10 weeks) Times: 11 am - 12:30 pm Where: Spicer Uniting Church Hall, Fourth Ave, ST PETERS
Learn MoreAdelaide Branch
Tuesdays 8.00 pm - 9.30 pm Spicer Uniting Church, 44A Fourth Ave, St Peters Recommence Tues 05/02/2019
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Thursdays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens Recommence Thurs 17/1/19
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Saturdays 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens. Recommence Sat 12/1/19.
Learn MoreBurnside
Mondays 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm Rose Park Scout Hall, Hewitt Ave, Rose Park Recommence Mon 04/02/2019.
Learn MoreBurnside
Wednesdays 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm Rose Park Scout Hall, Hewitt Ave, Rose Park Recommence Wed 13/2/2019.
Learn MoreBydand
Fridays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm St Margaret’s Church Hall, cnr Port and Woodville Roads, Woodville Recommence Fri 1/2/2019.
Learn MoreCollinswood Dancers
Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am The Druids Hall, Cassie St, Collinswood Recommence Wed 6/2/2019.
Learn MoreFleurieu Scottish Dancers
Mondays 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm, during school terms. Church of Christ Hall, Porter St, Goolwa Recommence Mon 14/01/2019.
Learn MoreFriday Night Spicer
Fridays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. 7:30 - 8:00 pm steps and formations for new dancers. Spicer Uniting Church, 44A, Fourth Ave, St Peters. Recommence Fri 11/01/2019.
Learn MoreGilles Plains
Wednesdays 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Gilles Plains Scout Hall, Wandana Rd, Gilles Plains Recommence Feb 2019.
Learn MoreHebridean Dancers
Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:00 pm Westbourne Park Uniting Church,27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorne SA 5062 Recommence late Jan 2019.
Learn MoreReelers and Ceilidh Class
Thursdays 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm Spicer Uniting Church, 44A Fourth Ave, St Peters Ceilidh dancing fortnightly and on the alternate week is Steps and Formations class. Contact teachers to confirm. Recommence Thurs 10/1/2019.
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 Recommence Mon 14/01/2019.
Learn MoreEvents
Welcome back to all dancers for our first social of 2019. Dance in air-conditioned comfort. Pay entry at the door. Please bring supper to share 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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Day of dancing at Willunga, with a day school, and afternoon of social dancing. More details to come.
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Our premier event of the year. Save the date. More information closer to the date.
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St Andrew's Day afternoon social. Celebrate Scotland's big day with some 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 be an experienced dancer to dance Scottish?
Do I have to sign up for a series of classes?
Do I need special shoes to dance Scottish?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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
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.
Learn More
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.
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."
Fitness Fitness
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."
Fun Fun
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."
Friendship Friendship
Teachers - Adelaide
Committee - Adelaide
Adelaide and Districts Branch
We preserve and further the practice of traditional Scottish Country Dance
Andrew Timmins
President
Louise Kropinski
Vice president
Anna Grant - Henderson
Secretary
Neville Pope
Treasurer
Andrew Buchanan
Member
Terry Donald
Member
Lois Hall
Member
Noriel Tarca
Member
Sharon Vincin
Member
RSCDS
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.
Info for Members
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.
Newsletter
Read a recent edition of Reel Spiel for Adelaide and surrounding areas.
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.
