What is the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS)?
The RSCDS is a worldwide organisation to promote and develop Scottish country dance and its music worldwide for the benefit of present and future generations.
It was founded in 1923 and the names of its founding members recur as names of dances. You’re likely to hear of Miss Milligan and Mrs. Stewart of Fasnacloich. Their aim was to ensure that the art of Scottish Country dance, much of its repertoire dating back two centuries and before, was not lost in the world of the twentieth century.
Are you all Scots?
No! Some of us are Scottish-born or can lay claim to Scottish ancestry, but what draws us together is a love of Scottish Country Dancing. All are welcome.
What shoes should I wear?
Most dancers wear soft-soled dance shoes for Scottish Country, but as a beginner trainers will do to start with.
There are many kinds of soft-soled shoes – ballet shoes or pumps, jazz shoes, ghillies (dancing shoes with crossed laces). Different shoes will fit different peoples’ feet, so if you are unsure the best thing is to try several types on, or speak to some of our members who will be happy to advise on what works for them.
The most important thing is that the shoes fit well and feel snug, especially when new as the leather will stretch as you wear them – and if you have spare leather flapping at the end of your toes, it can trip you up and makes dancing more difficult! Soft-soled shoes usually have soles made of leather or suede. Some types of jazz shoes have rubber soles and are sometimes worn when dancing on grass, but these aren’t really suitable for dancing on wooden floors.
There are a number of shops in Nottingham selling dancing shoes, but they are also available on the internet at very reasonable prices.
Pixie Dust Dancewear: 39 Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5NG www.pixiedustdancewear.co.uk
Online shops:
Do men have to wear a kilt, and women a white dress and tartan sash?
Men don’t have to wear kilts, but are always welcome to do so if they have one and wish to! The white dresses and tartan sashes you may think of for the ladies are usually reserved for festivals and demonstrations.
Comfortable clothes in which you can move freely are the best option for classes. You get very warm doing Scottish dancing, so layers is a good idea!
When we have our Saturday night dances, most of the men will wear kilts, and the ladies wear either lightweight dresses or skirts and tops.
What do classes cost?
Weekly class fees are £3.50, or £2.50 for students.
After a few weeks (or on completion of the beginners’ course), we would ask new dancers to join the RSCDS. Annual membership for the RSCDS is £29. There is a joint membership available for 2 adults at the same address, and reduced membership fees for younger dancers. There is also a half year membership for dancers joining after January. There is £2 branch membership that is payable alongside membership for the RCSDS.
What happens in the summer?
During the summer months, we try to keep dancing by organising Garden dances in members’ gardens, weather permitting of course! These are very nice informal occasions, and we all take a small plate of food to share for supper after the dancing.
Are there social dances as well as classes?
We organise 5 dances throughout the year on Saturday evenings at various venues. We have a live band at four of these events and this really adds to the enjoyment of dancing together with many friends from around the area. We have a Bring and Share supper, so there’s always a lovely selection of food at the interval.
Details of the dances are available on the Events page. You’ll find a flyer, and dance cribs together with a link to watch Youtube videos of the dances involved, so that you can see what’s coming up.
RSCDS Nottingham Branch 