Ballarat Scottish Country Dance
Scottish Country Dance is the social and special occasion dancing style of Scotland.
Our group meets on Monday nights at Ballarat North Community Centre.
New dancers are always very welcome. Come along and try it or just check it out.
New Dancers
You don't need to be Scottish or to bring a partner - all you need is comfortable casual clothing including a pair of flat, soft shoes.
Scottish Country Dancing's origins lie in both Scottish folk dancing and in the French Court of the 1700's, and the steps and forms evolved through the efforts of itinerate dance masters and patronage of the gentry. Its early connection with what became ballet steps is still evident and good footwork is prized as much as the ballroom etiquette.
It is not Highland Dancing with its energetic solo leaps, but it does engage the mind and body actively and literally keeps the dancers on their toes. Best of all is that it is lots of fun as well as being a real challenge.
It is danced in sets of eight, in two lines. Each pair progresses up and down the set, dancing a series of figures. There are dances that are centuries old and dances devised yesterday!
It is suitable for all ages and adapts well to varied fitness levels but a sense of rhythm and a moderate level of fitness are an advantage.
SCD has extended world-wide with affiliated clubs scattered across the globe where international visitors are welcomed with enthusiasm.
An introductory video made by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Some pictures of Ballarat SCD, our regular Monday night classes, Minerva Social at the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute and events