Scottish Dance Country and Ceilidh

After a gentle warm-up, we dance for about an hour, and then join together with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, for a chat. We learn the steps for Scottish country dancing, and many of the formations used in the large repertoire of reels, jigs and strathspeys. We also dance some of the more common ceilidh dances used at parties and weddings, such as the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow.

The pace is gentle, and the music we use is from wonderful Scottish Dance Bands on CDs.  We have a CD player with a variable speed control, so the tempo can be adjusted to suit the dancers!

As Group Leader, I prepare and teach the class most of the time, but Julie Grainger, who like me is a fully qualified Scottish country dance teacher, leads the class when I am not available, or to give me a break! Both men and women attend the group, and you do not need a partner – we change partners every dance.  More experienced dancers help the newer dancers, and we often enjoy a laugh if something goes wrong.

Scottish dancing has been proved by research to be the ideal exercise for older people, helping to preserve bone strength.  It is good for the brain – learning new skills; good for the body – keeping fit; good for making friends – everyone is helpful and sociable; and above all it is fun! 

Do sign up to our Group on u3a enrolment day (12th September) and come along to our first class on Thursday 28th September.  You will be most welcome.