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What is Scottish Country Dancing?
by Linda Barnes
The European capitals of the 18th century all had major balls and dances as part of the social scene and were the places to be seen, much the same as Ibiza and Ayia Napa today. “Country dances” from the court of Elizabeth 1 were popular in Scotland and in England. These “country dances” were pastoral dances set to Irish and Scottish tunes. In Scotland these country dances incorporated features from older strathspeys, reels, rants and jigs etc. This style of dance was one with which the whole society of Scotland could feel comfortable. There was the elegance and courtesy of the “Country Dance” and the energy and precision of step of the old reels.
Scottish Country Dancing continued to flourish in Scotland after country dancing had died out in England.
Scottish Country dancing travelled with the people of Scotland to Ireland, the Americas and many other parts of the world. Dancing masters and skilled musicians travelled widely throughout Europe and taught the older country dances as well as composing new tunes for the newer dances.
The First World War changed Europe forever. A generation had lost its menfolk, syncopated rhythms of jazz were sweeping the British Isles and Scottish Country dancing almost disappeared.
This art form was saved due to the work of two Scottish ladies, Mrs Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich and Miss Jean Milligan, who, after 1923, went about collecting old printed books of dances, taught a new generation of dance teachers, introduced some degree of standardisation and set guidelines for correct dancing technique[1]. Now in 2004 the organisation they founded in Scotland in the 1920’s: the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is a worldwide organisation with approximately 25,000 members. Scottish Country dancing became popular in Northern Ireland in the 1940’s. The Belfast Branch of the RSCDS is continuing to encourage people to take part in this cultural and enjoyable activity and has recently trained six new teachers to teach in Coleraine, Belfast, Whitehead, Portadown, Newry and Birt in Co. Donegal.
While European city breaks are now a popular way to relax for many of us, Scottish Country Dancing is the original European activity!
How many people are involved in Scottish Country Dancing in N. Ireland?
Scottish Country Dance has a dedicated following of people who enjoy dances ranging from the Dashing White Sergeant (a Scottish ceilidh dance) and the Eightsome Reel (a slightly more difficult affair).Local weekly classes are held all over the Greater Belfast area, North Down, Comber, Killyleagh, Newry, Armagh, Portadown, Omagh, Ballymena and Coleraine. The classes are a great place to meet new people and to learn the dances. Scottish Dancing takes place all over the world so you could meet people further afield in Scotland, Cork, Canada, Japan and France. All classes welcome visitors and holiday makers.
What sort of people do SCD?
All types: students, photographers, men, women, website designers, farmers, lawyers are all people who are members of groups across N.I. Dancing is a good way of keeping fit over the winter: and can make squeezing into the weekend party outfit that little bit easier. Many schoolchildren across Northern Ireland are also beginning to enjoy Scottish Country Dance and Highland Dancing. Scottish Country dancing is an activity that parents and children can take part in together.
What are the Health Benefits of SCD?
This type of dancing is done in groups using movement and stretching across all the main muscle groups in the body without the adoption of unusual positions or twisting. It is weight bearing therefore good for strengthening bones. 30 mins of fairly easy dancing burns approx.160 calories: the equivalent of a half hour of moderate housework, 20 minutes of vigorous swimming, sponge washing the car or 13 hours of kissing.
Dancing is also great for trimming the bums and tums while enjoying some everlasting music (have you heard Brian Kennedy’s version of Wild Mountain Tyme?); much more relaxing than the gym.
You can learn a basic dance in one or two sessions. A session of Scottish dancing gives you a high which lasts for hours!
Cost?
For all this the average class costs less than £3 and no special footwear or clothing is required.
How do I find out more?
Details of classes and groups can be found on the Scottish dancing website www.scottishdancing.org or telephone 028 94485099.
Information on Scottish dancing worldwide can be found at www.scottishdance.org
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