Info

We teach two types of dancing, Scottish Country and Ceilidh. Our classes mainly focus on Scottish Country as it requires more technique and formations, but we almost always teach a couple of ceilidh dances in each class.

Scottish Country Dancing:

Scottish Country Dancing is a social style of dance with the objective being to dance with as many different people as possible. Dancers are in couples, and the dance is performed in a group of couples called a "set". The dancers move around the set in patterns called formations, making up a dance. Some examples of country dances are The Eightsome Reel (also common at ceilidhs), The Reel of the 51st Highland Division, The Duke of Perth, Hamilton House and The Flowers of Edinburgh.

Ceilidh Dancing:

It is a key feature of Scottish culture. A ceilidh is an evening of dancing, but often a part of celebrations such as weddings, University Balls or Big Birthday Parties! Ceilidh dances are informal and easy to learn. They are usually derived from simplified Scottish Country dances (eg, The Dashing White Sergeant) or from Ballroom dances (eg, The Gay Gordons). A few traditional "old favourites" always come up at a ceilidh, whereas at a Country dance there are a greater variety of dances to choose from. The atmosphere is more relaxed than at a Scottish Country ball and there is almost no emphasis on technique – instead fun and socialising is more important (not that it isn't in Country dancing as well!).

Events:

We attend social dances at other Scottish Universities throughout the year. These are really fun and the perfect opportunity to put into practice the dances we learn in classes. We also have regular social events such as meals out, bowling nights, ice skating and of course ceilidhs!