F.A.Q
What is Scottish country dancing?
Scottish country dancing is a lively and sociable form of traditional dance, bringing people together through shared movement, music and community. Rooted in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, it is danced in groups—sets of couples—following patterns and formations that combine teamwork, rhythm and enjoyment. It includes Reels, Jigs and Strathspeys, a slower tempo unique to Scottish dancing.
What is ceilidh dancing?
Ceilidh dancing is a relaxed, social way to enjoy Scottish dance, perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike—join in, learn familiar dances, and experience Scotland’s lively music. The dances are energetic and everyone can get on the floor.
The dances are easy to learn and quick to pick up. The band – or sometimes a caller – takes you through the steps.
The dances are easy to learn and quick to pick up. The band – or sometimes a caller – takes you through the steps.
Do I have to sign up for a program of sessions?
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 4-6 weeks to cover the basics.
But you do not have to sign up to sessions by the Term, as attendance can be casual. Most sessions cost about the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
But you do not have to sign up to sessions by the Term, as attendance can be casual. Most sessions cost about the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Do I need to wear a kilt or special clothing?
No.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable that you can move in.
Many men wear trousers to regular sessions 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 sessions 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?
You can dance in flat comfortable shoes. Some dancers (usually Reelers or Ceilidh dancers) dance in their street shoes as people would have done centuries ago. .
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 teacher or fellow dancers for some recommendations.
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 teacher or fellow dancers for some recommendations.
Do I have to stick with one teacher or group?
You can dance as often as you would like, depending on when you are available and when our sessions are offered.
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.
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?
NO.
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 session.
If you have previous dancing experience like ballroom, ballet, bush or folk dancing etc you may pick things up more quickly.
.
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 session.
If you have previous dancing experience like ballroom, ballet, bush or folk dancing etc you may pick things up more quickly.
.
Do I need a dance partner?
No. You are most welcome to come along with a friend or partner, but that is certainly not necessary.
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 every time.
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 every time.
What is a social?
Socials are best for dancers who know the basic steps and formations which are found in most dances.
Programmes for balls and social dances are published well in advance and regular sessions aim to practise the dances for upcoming socials.
If you have no or little experience you are still welcome to come along and watch and enjoy the music and atmosphere.
Programmes for balls and social dances are published well in advance and regular sessions aim to practise the dances for upcoming socials.
If you have no or little experience you are still welcome to come along and watch and enjoy the music and atmosphere.
What is a ceilidh?
Imagine a room full of music, laughter and people of all ages dancing, whooping and clapping. That's a Ceilidh. Whether it's at a wedding, festival or community event, a Ceilidh is one of Scotland's best-loved social traditions. The dances are energetic and everyone can get on the floor.
The dances are easy to learn and quick to pick up. The band – or sometimes a caller – takes you through the steps.
The dances are easy to learn and quick to pick up. The band – or sometimes a caller – takes you through the steps.
Do I have to join the RSCDS Adelaide Branch?
You can come along to sessions and events without joining the Adelaide Branch of the Society.
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.
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?
Scottish Country Dancing is fabulous for all seasons, being an inside activity. Most groups take a break during the summer holiday season, usually from mid-December to mid-January. Check with the group teacher.
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with the group teacher.
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with the group teacher.
What kind of music do we dance Scottish to?
Quick-time dances are called Reels and Jigs, which feature fast tempos, rapid movements and a lively feel.
Strathspeys have a much slower tempo and a more elegant style.
The tunes are played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums, or bagpipes. For an idea of the music we dance to, check out the Scottish Tunes page.
Strathspeys have a much slower tempo and a more elegant style.
The tunes are played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums, or bagpipes. For an idea of the music we dance to, check out the Scottish Tunes page.
