F.A.Q
Do I have to sign up for a series of classes?
No. You can attend classes whenever you like.
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.
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?
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.
What about 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 class 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 class teacher or fellow dancers for some recommendations.
Do I have to stick with one teacher or class?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 at each class or at any event.
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?
We welcome people to come and give Scottish Country Dancing a try at our events. Usually, the dances will be walked once at Socials to give you a chance to familiarise yourself, or called at 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.
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?
You can come along to classes and do Scottish Country Dance 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 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 the class 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 the class 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.
Still have a question?
Please contact our Secretary on secretary@rscdsadelaide.org.au or our Liaison Officer on svincin@gmail.com
Or follow our Facebook page to check out our events and opportunities for beginners, visitors or regular dancers.
Or follow our Facebook page to check out our events and opportunities for beginners, visitors or regular dancers.
