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Summer School 2008Summer School 2008 takes place in the historic Fife town of St Andrews from 20th July to 17th August. Pick any week from the four and come and join us ! 20 July - 17 August
The four week-long courses are: Sunday, 20th July - Sunday, 27th July; Sunday, 27th July - Sunday, 3rd August; Sunday, 3rd August - Sunday, 10th August; Sunday, 10th August - Sunday, 17th August. You may attend for one week or for a maximum of any two weeks. We hope that each week will offer something special but, if you choose to attend for two weeks, there may be some duplication in content and staffing. St. Andrews is the ideal place to indulge your passion for Scottish country dancing. There are classes every morning for all dancers and voluntary dance-related activities in the afternoons. You will have the opportunity for social dancing every evening of the week with a ceilidh on the Friday. Contents:
APPLICATION FORMSApplication forms are now available here.
RESIDENCESSummer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. The RSCDS office and shop and most social functions are in University Hall. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie in University Hall as we have sole use of the residence. All meals are taken together (on a self-service basis). We provide a full Scottish breakfast and there is an excellent choice, including a salad bar, at both lunch and dinner. Most evening social dancing and other events take place in University Hall. There is also a party room available for informal gatherings but numbers are restricted. Please note this year we will not have the use of Wardlaw. Dancers who decide to reside in any accommodation other than University Hall will be considered to be NON-RESIDENT. Accommodation can be booked directly by yourself in New Hall which has a three-star hotel award from the Scottish Tourist Board. Please call New Hall on 01334 467 000 and quote RSCDSH08 to receive a 10% discount. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. These rooms are compact when used for double occupancy and couples may prefer to have a room each. All rooms have a television. New Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where all meals are served. Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.
FACILITIESAll university bedrooms have telephones, are serviced daily, are provided with towels and have complimentary toiletries and coffee/tea-making facilities. Laundry facilities are also available in each residence. Internet access is available, although you will need to bring your own laptop and network cables. There is more information about the university accommodation at www.escapetotranquillity.com Non-Residents have the opportunity to attend all classes and social events having booked the accommodation of their choice. The Tourist Information Centre (01334 472021) can provide information on alternative/cheaper accommodation in the town. Summer School is open to all dancers over the age of 16 years, and there is a discount for members of the RSCDS and for full-time students under the age of 26. There are no crèche facilities or children’s activities provided, although these may be available in St Andrews.
CLASSESClasses for all levels of Scottish country dancing are held during the mornings of Monday to Saturday at various venues throughout St Andrews. All are within 20 minutes walking distance of University Hall. Please see the application form for the list of classes available. This is a week-long course of practical dancing and everyone is expected to actively participate in both morning classes for all six days. During the afternoons additional voluntary classes are offered. The examination courses will involve morning and afternoon classes. There are no classes on Sunday. Please note that all classes are taught in English. If you have difficulty in understanding English you may prefer to choose a lower level class.
EXAMINATION CLASSESIf you wish to take part in one of these courses, please contact Headquarters to obtain the relevant syllabus, the most recent edition of the Manual of Scottish Country Dancing and an application form. If you require the services of a translator, please contact Headquarters for advice as soon as possible. If there are insufficient dancers for any course, you may be asked to attend during the alternative weeks. Once a week an afternoon session on mentoring Unit 4 candidates will be offered (subject to demand) and is open to fully certificated teachers. Please contact Headquarters for further details.
MUSICIANS' COURSEThis year the course will be running during Week 2 (27th July to 3rd August) and Week 4 (10th August to 17th August). An application form can be downloaded here
DANCING PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT (REVISED)This will be available at all three levels (subject to demand) at the end of week 2 and week 4. Dancers are expected to know the set dances before arriving at Summer School. Please contact Headquarters for a copy of the syllabus, criteria for assessment and application form.
CLASS STANDARDSThe class selector is intended to assist you in selecting the dance class appropriate to your needs. It is for everyone’s benefit that dancers are allocated to the most suitable class - everyone gets better enjoyment and progress can be smoother. Please think carefully before completing the application form. If in doubt apply for a lower class. Please ensure that you are physically fit to attend your chosen class, remembering that, during one week, you will be required to participate actively in two classes each morning for six days. If you are coming for the first time, it is helpful to seek advice from your local teacher. If you have attended before you may wish to return to the same level of class. You will find the classes more enjoyable and be more comfortable if you choose a class which is appropriate to your standard of dancing and knowledge of the dances. For qualified teachers, and very advanced dancers who can no longer sustain a high level of performance, or for those who have sustained an injury, we offer the senior class. For this class, you will have an in-depth knowledge, understanding and experience of the dance but may not be able to participate as fully as you would wish. There is further information on classes within the Application Form. Be honest with yourself - Choose the most appropriate class
SOCIAL DANCINGThere is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is generally held in University Hall. The programmes are available in the booklet issued when you have paid your fees. Crib sheets containing instructions for all dances in all four weeks will be available at registration. There is a ceilidh each Friday evening in which you may wish to participate.
Every Thursday there is a dance open to the public in the Younger Hall, organised by NE-Fife Tourist Board. Tickets can only be obtained from the Tourist Board and you are encouraged to apply early. On these evenings there is social dancing in the Common Room at University Hall where an alternative programme of dances will be offered.
Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available at University Hall.
VOLUNTEERSThe smooth running of Summer School depends on the hard work put in by members of the office staff, the teachers and the musicians, and also the time and effort generously given by dancers. If you wish to help by, for example, assisting at registration, serving in the shop or selling refreshments at the Younger Hall, please tick the appropriate box on the application form.
It would be very much appreciated if every dancer could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations held at the end of week 2 and week 4. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition. It is expected that dancers at very advanced levels will attend afternoon walk-through sessions to help those with less experience.
FEESFees include VAT at the current rate and must be paid in GBP. You are responsible for any bank charges. We regret that we cannot accept cheques which are not in GBP. All prices stated below are per person per week. NON-RESIDENT (RSCDS Member) £ 133.00 NON-RESIDENT (Non-member) £ 150.00 Early payment non-resident discount - £5.00 Non-Resident charges include all tuition and social functions.
RESIDENT IN UNIVERSITY HALL (RSCDS Member) £ 388.00 RESIDENT IN UNIVERSITY HALL (Non-member) £ 406.00 Early payment resident discount - £15.00
Resident charges include seven nights’ accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, all tuition and social functions.
Dancers under the age of 21 and students under the age of 26 in full-time education may deduct £50.00 per week from the fees shown above. We must receive your full payment by 31st March 2008 to qualify for the early payment discount. Please send a £50.00 deposit with your completed application form. If you are accepted on the course your deposit will not be returned. Please pay the balance of fees by 30th April 2008. If your fees have not been received by that date your name will be transferred to a waiting list. All payments will be acknowledged. Fees may be paid by cheque (made payable to RSCDS) or credit card. Cards accepted are Visa, Access, Eurocard, Delta, and Mastercard and the payment authorisation is attached to the application form.
REFUNDS/INSURANCEEvery effort will be made to provide refunds up to 30th June 2008. With late cancellations, if places are not filled, this may not always be possible. Dancers are strongly advised to have suitable insurance to cover any loss of fees in the event of illness, injury or other unavoidable circumstance.
CLOSING DATEApplication forms should be returned by 1st February 2008. Late applications will be considered if there are vacancies although it may not be possible to attend the class of your choice.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTSIf you have special dietary requirements, please advise Headquarters in writing before the commencement of Summer School.
TRAVEL TO ST ANDREWSIf you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest but onward travel by train and/or bus is equally possible from Glasgow and Prestwick airports. The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel. Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St Andrews bus station. The following website may help with your travel plans:
Please note that if you are unable to attend for a full six day course your name will be added to a waiting list and you may be accepted only if the courses are not full and class numbers are suitable.
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Annual Conference Weekend 2008
