What do we do?

Dancing

Whatever your experience, Scottish Country Dancing has something to offer for you. You can start enjoying social dancing from the first session. If you want to learn more, you can perform, compete, prove your ability with the Dancing Proficiency Test or just keep learning. There's enough to keep you going all your life - more dances, new figures, better technique; that life may just be be longer since you should be healthier too... Become a teacher yourself and pass on the fun.

You certainly won't be left sitting on the sidelines - nearly all Scottish country dances need at least six people to dance together.

Teaching

Whether you're new to dancing, a ballet dancer looking for a new challenge, a highland dancer wanting a more sociable pastime, or just looking for a friendly way to get back in trim, we can help. Your local branch will have an RSCDS certified teacher who can take you through the basic building blocks and beyond. There are many classes, at all levels, and a great variety of social dances. And all RSCDS certified teachers have passed a stringent series of training courses so you will be assured of quality teaching.

For members wishing to improve their technique there are workshops and day schools as well as the Society's own Schools - Summer School in St Andrews, Scotland and Winter School in Pitlochry, Scotland. Members from every corner of the world meet at these chools to immerse themselves in the Scottish country dancing experience.

Worldwide

You don't have to be a Scot to find your foot tapping to the irresistible rhythms of our stirring reels and haunting strathspeys. We have members all around the world ready to welcome you to their classes and events. Today's Scottish Country Dances continue the tradition of social gatherings for the whole community. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you can come along and be part of our worldwide family.

Musicians

There's no dancing without music, and we are delighted to help musicians develop. We provide sheet music for all our dances, along with specialist courses for accordion, fiddle and piano.

If you're not fortunate enough to have a local musician, or just want a different sound, we have a wide range of recordings from top dance bands available for purchase.

Want to know more?

Browse the site. Find your local group - or a group to visit. Look for an event near you, or come along to one of our annual schools. If you just want to dance, look here. If you're a teacher wanting information, this is the section for you. We have tried to organise the site to put things in obvious places, but if you're stumped, use the full-text search.

We have a wide range of videos, books, recordings, and accessories available for purchase. Members receive a discount off the listed price.

Searching for a dance?

The RSCDS has published about 800 dances in its lifetime. If you want to see them all, or just get some information on one in particular, then go to the dance index.