Promoting Scottish Country Dancing in Surrey
What is Scottish Country Dancing?
Scottish Country Dancing is a type of dancing performed by groups of couples in sets (usually of 3, 4 or 5 couples). The dances typically consist of a sequence of formations, many of which are common to a lot of different dances, and in the majority of dances each couple takes turns at being the leading couple.
In the Addlestone & District Scottish Society, we dance according to the practices of The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) which was founded in 1923 and has over 11,000 members worldwide. The Three main dancing styles we use are:
Reels:
Reels are a common type of Scottish Country Dance characterised by a fast and lively tempo, written in 4/4 time. The dance often involves quick, turning movements and can be danced in various formations.
e.g The Deil Amang the Tailors Video
Jigs:
Jigs are danced to music in a lively compound meter, often 6/8 time. Jigs feature a bouncy and upbeat feel, they are characterised by their light, skipping style.
e.g. Good hearted Glasgow Video
Strathspeys:
Strathspeys are unique to Scottish Country Dancing and are slower more graceful dances with characteristic skip-change and travelling steps.
e.g. The Byron Strathspey Video
For more information about the RSCDS and its role, see:
The type of dancing we do should not be confused with:
- Highland Dancing, where the dancers perform as individuals using intricate and energetic steps, as in the Highland Fling.
- Ceilidh Dancing, which is a mixture of some basic country dances with a variety of other styles including two-steps, waltzes and circle dances, and is often seen at weddings and social gatherings.
- Reeling, this is rather more rumbustious and physical with a lot of clapping, stamping and twirling of partners (according to the Wimbledon Reels website). These differences in style may be appreciated from videos on YouTube, such as this one in RSCDS style, and this one in Reeling style.