RSCDS Schools

• Summer School Details for 2010
• Summer School
• Winter School Details for 2010
• Winter School
• Spring Fling
• Music Courses

RSCDS Summer School

St Andrews, mid-July - mid-August

The Society holds an annual Summer School in St Andrews, Scotland.  Approximately one thousand dancers from around the world attend this School each year to learn more about the dancing and dances, old and new; to enjoy dancing together; and to appreciate the wealth of Scotland's traditional music

The School is traditionally held over a month-long period covering the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks of August. Participants may choose to attend for one week or any two weeks on a residential or non-residential basis.  There is a full range of Scottish country dance classes for every level from beginners to fully-qualified teachers.  These classes run each morning from Monday to Saturday, with optional classes in the afternoons and social dancing in the evening.

Those wishing to train as teachers of Scottish country dancing may attend the examination courses at Summer School.  The courses for Teaching Certificate Part 1 (Units 2 and 3) and for Teaching Certificate Part 2 (Unit 5) each last for two weeks and both are offered during weeks 1 and 2 or weeks 3 and 4.

Classes are held in different venues across the town; all are taught by experienced and qualified teachers assisted by accomplished musicians.

In addition to the morning Scottish Country Dance classes there is a class for Highland steps for country dancing, and in the afternoons there is a variety of optional classes including men's Highland dancing or ladies' Step dancing, and practice sessions for the evening social dancing.

There are a variety of scholarships available for attendance at the School, and a reduced fee is offered to those under twenty-one attending on either a residential or non-residential basis. The scholarship application form is usually available in October for the following year's School. 

Summer School application forms are normally available in mid-December.

If anyone thinking of attending Summer School has young children, the Hill family has provided some very useful suggestions based on  their own personal experience - read what they have to say here.

RSCDS Winter School

Pitlochry, late February every year

Winter School, based in the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, includes classes, accommodation, evening social dancing, and a ball at Blair Castle.

For six days, students attend Scottish Country Dance classes every morning, optional activities in the afternoon and social dancing in the evening.

The highlight of Winter School is a dance in the spectacular Ballroom at Blair Castle, dancing to the music of one of the best dance bands in the country.

Spring Fling

Different venues in UK, late March every year: organised by young people, for young people (age 16-35)

Spring Fling runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime, and is a mixture of Scottish country dance and other classes, social dancing and ceilidh (sometimes in fancy dress - as above!). This event is organised by a group of young people in conjunction with the local Branch.

Music Courses

Music Courses at Summer School are being planned, and details and application form will be downloadable here when available.  Tutored by professional musicians, these courses are for musicians wishing to learn more about playing for Scottish Country Dancing. Places are limited. Music courses are also arranged separately from time to time.