Welcome

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ANNOUNCEMENT: New Beginners Welcome to start in September and January each year. Returning dancers welcome anytime. Email us to sign up. Your first class is half price (£3 in Cash).

Welcome to the RSCDS Manchester Branch website. We are a volunteer-run group who enjoy this lively and entertaining form of dancing. We run two classes:

• Beginners/Improvers on Tuesdays September - May (except Christmas and Easter holidays);
• Intermediate/Advanced on Wednesdays September - March (except Christmas holidays).

Please see our Classes page for more details. Note that these are not Ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee") or Highland Dance classes.

Our Affiliated group "The Gay Gordons" run Ceilidh classes and LGBTQ+ oriented classes. Please see The Gay Gordon's Manchester Website for more information.

For a contact list of other nearby dance groups and useful links, please see the Useful Links & Other Groups page.

We also have two social dances per year, in November and February. Our classes will help prepare you for these. Please see our Social Dances page for more details.

Occasionally we are able to perform demonstrations or run Ceilidhs for a small fee, subject to availability. Due to the size of the group, we request at least three months notice. More details can be found on our Displays and Demonstrations page.

What is Scottish Country Dancing?

Scottish country dancing is a form of social or group dancing similar to ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee") dancing, and not to be confused with Highland or other forms of "folk" dancing. Dances usually involve between 4 and 10 dancers, with each pair of dancers taking a turn in the spotlight, supported by the other dancers in the group. Dances follow patterns made up of a sequence of discrete movements called "formations". Whilst there is some footwork to be learned, the emphasis is on the patterns made around the dance hall and the fun and friendly atmosphere. It is not necessary to memorise whole dances, only the component formations as there is always a dance caller. Having mastered the basics, a dancer should be able to confidently participate at ceilidhs and "nice and easy" social dances.

There are three types of Scottish Country Dancing: Jigs, Reels and Strathspeys. Jigs and reels are faster dances, whereas Strathspeys are uniquely Scottish with a very slow stately tempo. All three types are taught at our classes.

You are never too old (or too young) to start. Scottish dancing has a very wide age range, with participants globally ranging from 5-6 years up to people in their 80’s and 90’s! However, RSCDS Manchester Branch are currently unable to offer a children's class.

An example of a Scottish Country Dance is shown here. See our FAQ page for more details.

Dancing and Mental Health

Dancing is an excellent way of keeping active, improving mental health and reducing stress levels. It is suitable for all ages, fitness and ability levels. Dancing is an ideal way of meeting people and making new friends. Scottish country dancing is also very good at improving memory as the dance form requires you to remember short sequences of dance figures, which will be repeated several times throughout the dance.

About The RSCDS

The Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in Glasgow in 1923 with the aim of preserving country dances as danced in Scotland. The society received its "Royal" status in 1951 and has expanded to over 170 branches in the UK and worldwide. The Manchester branch was founded in 1935 and continues to hold classes and dances suitable for all levels of dancer.

More about the RSCDS can be found here.

Class Information

• Our Beginner/Improver class is for those who have never tried Scottish Country Dancing before, or who are returning to dancing from a long break. The class is taught by an RSCDS teacher. Please note that this is not a Highland Dance Class.
• Our Intermediate/Advanced class is for anyone who has been doing Scottish Country Dancing for at least two years, has good knowledge of basic figures and footwork, and an interest in more difficult technique or dances. Two in every three advanced classes focus on intermediate/advanced technique (taught by RSCDS qualified teachers), whilst the remaining class is (recapped) dancing (Volunteers to help out welcome).
• Ceilidh classes and LGBTQ+ oriented classes are run by our Affiliated group the "Gay Gordons". Please see The Gay Gordon's Manchester Website for more information.
• Our summer term classes are "General / Mixed Level" social dance classes with visiting teachers. All levels of dancers are welcome, but please note that some experience is assumed.
• Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer a dedicated class for children or teenagers. Teenagers who are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the whole class are welcome to join our adult classes. Please email us for more information.

Our class venue is: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN. Parking is available, with public transport nearby. We open up the hall up to 10 minutes prior to the class starting.

All our classes start at 7.30pm and last for two hours. Wear ordinary loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes or trainers. Bring a re-usable bottle of water to class.

Your first class with us is £3 (half price). £6 per class thereafter, (£5 for RSCDS members). Payment by cash or cheque only. Block-payment options available. Class fees cover the hall hire, public liability insurance and administrative costs. We are a not-for-profit organization.

Class Timetable

Our Social Dances

Below are the dates, programmes and crib sheets for our social dances, and those hosted by our affiliated group The Gay Gordons.
Dances for RSCDS Manchester Social programmes require some experience to be able to participate. The dances are practised in our Beginner/Improver classes in the weeks immediately prior to the dance. If you haven't danced before, or your only experience is Ceilidh dancing, please come to our classes before trying your hand at a social dance.

No experience is required for the Gay Gordons organized Ceilidh events.

Dances start promptly at the advertised time. Venues will be open at least 15 minutes in advance.

OOPS, you just missed...

Displays and Demonstrations

Our main commitment is to our own classes and dances, and advertising these. However, occasionally we are able to facilitate ceilidhs, or do demonstrations and displays to advertise Scottish Country Dancing for a small fee.

If you wish to arrange for a demonstration or ceilidh please contact us via our email address ideally three months in advance of your proposed date. Please note that since we are a small volunteer group with other commitments, it is not possible for us to facilitate events outside of evenings and weekends, or on dates which clash with our own classes and dances.

In recent years we have had a stall and/or display at the "Manley Park Celebrate Festival", the "Ladybarn Community Hub Fun Day" and the "Ladybarn Park Fun Day". This is something we hope to continue doing each year to advertise our classes. Feel free to come along and chat to us at the next event. If you think we might make a good addition to your summer fair or fun day in Greater Manchester, please let us know via our email address as soon as possible.

How To Contact Us

For all enquiries, please email: rscds.manchester@gmail.com. We will endeavour to respond to your email within 7 days.

Newcomers/Prospective dancers: please email rscds.manchester@gmail.com at least 48 hours prior to the Tuesday Class to book a place. This is so we can track numbers for classes and plan accordingly. Likewise, please let us know if you are unable to come to a class so we know who to expect.

Members of other RSCDS branches and Scottish Country Dance Groups wishing to send us information about your upcoming events, please email details/flyers to: rscds.manchester@gmail.com or give flyers to a comittee member in person. We display event flyers on our noticeboard at classes. Thank you.

You can also keep up to date with us via our facebook group

For a list of other local clubs and groups, please see our Useful Links page

RSCDS Manchester is a registered charity, No. 1082107.

GDPR Statement: By contacting us you agree that we may from time to time send you details of our classes and events. We will not use your details for any other purpose than this or administering your membership and will not give your details to third parties. If you no longer wish to be contacted, please email us stating you wish to opt-out of future communications.

Venue Information

Our venue for all classes is: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN

Our venue for our November Social Dance is: St Matthews Hall, Chapel Lane, Stretford, M32 9AJ

Our venue for our February Social Dance is: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN

All our venues have toilet facilities, step-free access and limited on-site parking. Parking is also available on local side streets. Please bring your own reusable drinks bottle & drink. Venues are opened up to 15 minutes prior to our events starting.

Useful Links to other Clubs, Classes and Dance Resources

Dance Shoes

After your first 6-8 weeks of lessons we recommend you obtain the proper shoes. Ladies normally wear black "ballet flats", whilst men wear "ghillies". It is strongly recommended you wear dance insoles inside your shoes. For those with long term foot or knee problems, jazz shoes (with insoles) or "dance sneakers" may be a better option. Shoes can be obtained via the following links (in order of recommendation). Please ask class tutors for more advice. A "How-To" on choosing and maintaining shoes is also available to download from our Distance Learning page

Fit To Dance, Altringham Sells a variety of ladies shoes for all types of dance.

RSCDS Leeds Branch Shop. Note this shop is run for dancers by the Leeds Branch and all profits go back into dancing. They sell mens' & ladies' Dance Shoes, Scottish Dance books and CDs. Order online or at a Leeds Branch Dance.

James Senior Shoes (St Andrews, Scotland) A dedicated Scottish Country Dance shop for bespoke fittings.

Thistle Shoes (Glenrothes, Scotland) A dedicated Scottish Country Dance shop for bespoke fittings.

General Scottish Dance Resources

Scottish Country Dance Database (SCDDB) for dance cribs and videos.

Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary for instructional videos on figures and footwork.

RSCDS Headquarters

RSCDS Leeds Branch Shop this shop is run for dancers by the Leeds Branch and all profits go back into dancing. They sell mens' & ladies' Dance Shoes, Scottish Dance books and CDs. Order online or at a Leeds Branch Dance.

Youtube has many videos of scottish dancing, including instructional videos - although video and dancer quality varies.

Wikipedia long read on Scottish Country Dancing

Are You Dancing directory of UK dance groups by location

Nearby Children's Classes

Wigan Thistle Society run family classes

Information for Guide and Scout Groups

Gallery

This is a collection of some of our recent photos and videos.

If you have any videos or photos taken at any of our recent events and would like them displayed on our website, please send them to us via the branch email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear and bring to class

• Flat, lightweight shoes or trainers are ideal for your first few lessons. No heels or heavy boots please. After 6-8 weeks of lessons, we recommend you invest in the proper shoes. See Useful Links tab for more details.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing with at least one layer you can take off easily, as you will get quite warm during the class - particularly in the winter where venues may start off quite cold.
• A (reusable) bottle of water/juice.
• Weekly class fee (in cash or cheque)
• Plenty of enthusiasm!

Do I need to bring a partner?

No. You will be expected to change partners after every dance, so everyone will get to participate. Experienced dancers will naturally try to dance with less experienced dancers in order to aid their learning & development. Dancing with the same one person to the exclusion of others is actively discouraged in social and folk dancing.

However, the more the merrier - so feel free to bring a friend!

When should I start dancing

You are never too old (or too young) to start. Scottish dancing has a very wide age range, with participants globally ranging from 4-5 years up to people in their 80’s and 90’s! However, RSCDS Manchester Branch are currently unable to accommodate Under-12s. Teenagers should be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the whole class.

Our classes are open to complete beginners in September and January each year and those with more experience at any time. There is no requirement to start on the first class of the term/year, although to allow progression, the earlier you start and the more classes you can commit to, the better. If you have to miss one or two classes it isn’t a problem.

Anyone with long-term hip, knee or ankle injuries are advised to consult their GP or Physio. for general advice before starting lessons.

What is the difference between Scottish Country Dancing (SCD) and Ceilidh Dancing?

Ceilidh Dancing is the entry-level or less formal variant of Scottish Country Dancing typically seen at Weddings, parties and Hogmanay (Scottish New Year).

The basic concept of both Ceilidh and SCD is the same, with very similar music (reels/jigs) and basic formations. However, SCD also incorporates a wider range of formations, a third tempo (strathspey) and some footwork elements. This makes the number of possible dances much greater (>10,000 and counting!).

What is the class format?

Classes last 2 hours and include a warm-up, some step and figure practice and approximately 90 minutes of dance-walkthroughs and dancing. There is usually also a 5-10 minute rest-break after the first hour. The objective of each lesson is to learn the figures/formations and footwork, and to practise these in the context of dances. It is not required to remember whole dances for multiple weeks as the dances will be recapped each time. Above all, the aim is to have fun and meet new people.

How big are the classes?

Typical class sizes are between 8 and 24 people. Due to the nature of Scottish dancing as a form of social dance, at least 6 people are needed for a class to go ahead. If there is an odd number of people, some of the more experienced dancers will take it in turns to sit out to give other dancers a chance (and to have a well-deserved rest!) This is perfectly normal for this dance form, so please don’t feel you’ve intruded into a select group. No-one has an established/ permanent dance partner and you are expected to change partners after every dance, so everyone will get to participate.

How quickly will I progress? Are there any festivals, displays or competitions I can enter?

Anyone who has been dancing less than a year is considered a beginner. Those who have been dancing 1-2 years are "improvers". After which, progression is at an individual's own pace, which will depend on age, ability and enthusiasm.

RSCDS Manchester branch from time to time run stalls or displays of Scottish Country Dancing at local fetes and fairs as part of our outreach. All branch members and class participants are encouraged to help out at these events, either by helping to run the stall or dancing in the display team.

The majority of dancers do so for pleasure and the social aspect. Adult Dance Achievement Awards (DAA) Certificates and Teaching Certificate Qualifications are available through the Headquarters of the RSCDS. Please speak to your teacher for advice if you wish to take one of these certificates - these are not held locally.

The RSCDS Leeds branch runs the "White Rose Festival" - a day of "en-mass" dancing each July. All Intermediate and above dancers are invited to participate, either by submitting a full team or by asking to join the Leeds teams. Note that this is not a competition and dancers are not marked or graded for their performance. Please see the RSCDS Leeds Branch Website for further details.

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Our Comittee and Teachers

RSCDS Manchester Branch is organized, run and taught by volunteers. The committee is elected each May at our AGM by Branch members.

Persons wishing to stand for committee must be RSCDS and branch members (see Here for more details), and are requested to make themselves known to the secretary at the earliest opportunity by email or phone.

The 2022 - 2023 Committee is as follows:

• Chairman: Dave
• Hon. President: Barbara H.
• Hon. Life Vice-Presidents: Joan and Val
• Hon. Secretary / Membership Secretary: Rob K.
• Hon. Treasurer: Nora
• Advertising and Media: Heather
• General Comittee Members: Carol & Ishbel

The Beginner/Improver Class teachers are: Heather and Dave

The Advanced Class teachers are: Barbara H. and Pam D.

The Beginner/Improver Class musicians are: Ishbel (Violin), Steve (Tin Whistle) and a Guitarist.

RSCDS Membership

Class fees are priced on a per-class basis (see our Classes page for details) and you do not have to be a member of the RSCDS to enjoy dancing at RSCDS Manchester Branch classes or dances. Weekly class fees cover the hall hire, public liability insurance, and any advertising costs incurred. We are a not-for-profit organization.

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) membership runs from July to June each year and comprises a subscription to RSCDS HQ plus a portion retained by RSCDS Manchester branch. The branch portion of the fee is used to administer your membership locally and subsidise our classes and events.

Membership of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) entitles you to:

• A £1 discount at all RSCDS Manchester classes (per lesson).
• A £1 discount at RSCDS Manchester branch dances.
• Discounts at other RSCDS events elsewhere in the UK.
• The ability to have a say in how your branch is run, including voting at the Branch AGM or joining the comittee.
• A twice-yearly magazine subscription from the RSCDS Headquarters.
• An email e-newsletter with news, podcasts, and dancing-related puzzles from the RSCDS.
• Priority booking and significant discounts at RSCDS HQ-run Residential Schools and Events.
• Membership of the world's largest Scottish Country Dance network.
• The satisfaction of knowing that your membership makes a difference by helping preserve and revitalize an important part of Scottish culture.
• It also enables RSCDS HQ to train teachers and assessors for the future.

RSCDS membership runs from July to June each year. Full year subscriptions are due by our first class in September and are payable by bank transfer, in class (cash/cheque) or by post (cheque). Please ask in class or email Rob for an application form. The 2023-2024 prices are shown below. Half-yearly membership is available for those joining in January.

• Adult Single (25+ Full Year): £31 (£26 to HQ, £5 to Manchester branch)
• Adult Single (25+ Half Year): £18 (£13 to HQ, £5 to Manchester branch - New Members Only)
• Adult Joint Household (both 25+ Full Year): £52 (£42 to HQ, £10 to Manchester branch)
• Adult Joint Household (both 25+ Half Year): £31 (£21 to HQ, £10 to Manchester branch - New Members Only)
• Young Adult (18-24 Full Year): £26 (£21 to HQ, £5 to Manchester branch)
• Young Adult (18-24 Half Year): £15.50 (£21 to HQ, £5 to Manchester branch - New Members Only)
• A Manchester Branch-only subscription (£5) is available for individuals who already have full RSCDS membership with another branch.

Distance Learning - Useful Guides, Quizzes and Further Reading

This section of the website hosts some useful guides for various aspects of SCD which are not easy to teach in class. These guides are intended for the enthusiastic dancer of any level who wishes to self-study. Please click on the titles below to download.

Anyone wishing to contribute material, suggest topics or submit a correction, please let us know either on our facebook page or via email.

"At-Home" Practical Exercises

A selection of strengthening and dance-related exercise movements which can be done at home.

• Basic Strengthening and Foot Position Exercises
• Beginner's Guide: Jig, Reel or Strathspey? A guide for the Non-Musician.

"How To" Guides

A selection of dance-related generic guidance for home-reading.

• Beginner's Guide: How_To_Choose_And_Maintain_Shoes
• Beginner's Guide: How to "Cast" and different types of "Casting"
• Beginner's Guide: How to Find Your Corners (A Guide to Set Notation)
• Beginner's Guide: How To Read Dance Cribs

Quizzes.

Click on the titles to download the file. Answers are also presented in a separate file, have fun!

Branch Newsletter

• August 2020 Newsletter