The Ottawa Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was founded in 1966. It provides both classes in Scottish Country Dancing and social events for its members.
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The Headquarters of the Society is in Edinburgh, Scotland and all members of the Ottawa Branch are members of this international organization.
Currently the Branch has over 200 members and offers classes from Beginner to Advanced levels throughout the Ottawa Region. Classes are held on Monday to Thursday evenings during the dancing season (September to May).
A branch Social is held for all members once a month on Fridays. And for those still wishing to dance more, informal socials are held on the first and fourth Fridays of each month.
Annual events include: a Christmas Dance with a Ceilidh; a formal Dinner and Ball with dancing to live music; and, a Workshop to give dancers of all levels an opportunity to improve their technique so that SCD becomes even more enjoyable. Informal dancing opportunities are available during the summer months.
Scottish Country Dancing Scottish country dancing has its roots in the French court dances of the 16th Century. It can be considered as the ballroom dancing of Scotland and consists of Reel, Jigs, Hornpipes, Minuets and the uniquely Scottish Strathspeys.
It is a blend of the ancient folk dances of Scotland which were usually danced in groups or sets of eight people either in a round or longwise set. Added to this were the ballet steps of the French Court brought to Scotland by Mary, Queen of Scots.
It is not nearly as athletic as the Highland Dancing known to many Canadians and, due to the mix of slow and fast tempos of the dances, is considered to be good exercise for all ages as well as fun.
Dances in the Scottish Country Dance literature were devised not only in Scotland but also by expatriate Scots in many parts of the world including Canada.
Dancers in the Ottawa Branch perform dances written from the eighteenth century to the current day and are proud to have members who are devising new dances.