rscds
the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Hamilton Branch (Ontario)
ABOUT
The Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in 1923 in Scotland. The title "Royal" was added in 1952, making us known as "The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society" (RSCDS). The Hamilton Branch was the first Canadian branch, joining the society in 1954.
DANCE SCOTTISH! Scottish Heritage Not Required
You don't have to have Scottish Heritage or a link to the British Isles through marriage or extended families to enjoy Scottish Country Dancing. Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day, so why not consider being a "wee bit Scottish" throughout the year and join a Scottish Country Dancing class?
Join us for Scottish Country Dancing! In addition to receiving formal dancing instruction, there is a very strong social component to Hamilton’s Branch of Scottish Country Dancing. The social aspect is not only part of the weekly classes and regular dances, but is also a natural bi-product of the wonderful group of people, both experienced and intermediate dancers, as well as new comers. The Hallowe’en class is a good example of bringing several classes together, not only for dancing, but for the seasonal social side of RSCDS as well.
In addition to attending the Hamilton Branch classes, all are welcome to attend events and dances outside of the class setting (monthly White Cockade, Hamilton Chapter dances such as Christmas and year end ball, St. Catharine’s and Grimsby dances), etc. They are excellent way to improve your dancing technique and meet new people. Beginner dancers are welcome at these social events and dances, regardless of how quickly or not they have advanced in the classes they have taken to date. So much can be learned and enjoyed, even by observing.
FUN-FITNESS-FRIENDSHIP!
The Benefits of Scottish Country Dancing:
Until you actually try Scottish Country Dancing, you have no idea that:
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Scottish Country Dancing is an excellent form of exercise (your heart beat increases and your body temperature rises). It may look relatively calm, but a slow Strathspey can be as much of a physical workout as a good Reel
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Scottish Country Dancing is as much of a workout for your brain as it is for your body. Not only do you learn the dance steps, but you need to focus on where you are and anticipate your next move. Adding the “progressions” of a dance to the overall mix, further works your brain, which is equally important, no matter how old or young you are.
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Scottish Country Dancing is a “Social Mixer”. Although everyone dances in couples, it isn’t necessary to attend as a couple to join Scottish Country Dancing. Singles are welcome and it doesn’t matter which side of the line you dance on, male or female. Traditional Scottish Country Dancing competitions were historically often men only, so there is no reason not to join if you don’t have a partner to attend with. Not only that, even if you do attend as a couple, the general unspoken rule it to dance the first and last dance with your partner, and after that, change partners every dance. That’s part of the social joy and benefit of Scottish Country Dancing – it is an inherently inclusive “social mixer”, regardless of age, gender or cultural background.