Weekend Overview

Location

The tenth(!) annual Midwest Scottish Weekend will be held for the third year at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Our residential Scottish country dance workshop is located 45 miles northeast of Madison in the oldest continuously co-educational boarding school in America. The restaurants, stores and parks of Beaver Dam are within walking distance. Nearby Horicon Marsh, both a state and federal wildlife refuge, is worth a visit before or after the workshop.

Accommodations will be in dormitory suites with shared suite bathroom facilities. Classes and dance events will be in the gym, dance studio, and lounges, all air-conditioned and easy to walk to on the compact campus. Wayland is a smoke-free and drug-free campus. Wine and beer will be available at the parties and banquet at cost. Other beverages for your own use or to share would be welcome. This year you may enjoy a light meal Friday (5:30-7:00 pm) at no extra cost. Please let us know on the registration form if you plan to attend.

Teachers and Musicians

Our teachers are Tine MacKay and Kate Deck. Our musicians are Ralph Gordon, Dave Wiesler, and Susan Worland. Please read their complete bios for more details on our wonderful talent!

Weekend Schedule

You can arrive to register between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. Friday, settle in to your room, and have an informal meal at your leisure in the cafeteria. Weekend events begin with a Welcome Dance Friday night at 8:00 p.m. in the gym in the Lindsay Complex, followed by an informal welcome party.

Five dance sessions (including one split class) will be held Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning. Participants can also join an informal discussion session on Saturday. A ball walk-through will be held later that afternoon for those who’d like to review. Carolyn von Ruden will again be available at Wayland Saturday and Sunday morning for 30-minute massage therapy sessions for $30.00 each. Saturday evening will include a social hour with a cash donation bar and banquet. We will then follow our piper outside through campus to the ball in the gym. Afterwards, enjoy a party and ceilidh, often a highlight of the weekend.

After Sunday classes, the weekend finishes with lunch and silent auction awards. A complete schedule with times, locations, and map links may be found on the website.

Special Dance & Musician Sessions

Tine will teach the majority of classes, including a popular repeat of her class at the Teachers Association Canada 2018 Summer School, “Invitation to Flirt.” Kate will offer an advanced technique class.

The musicians will lead a music workshop for all skill levels on Saturday June 8, 3:30-5:00 p.m. We would like to know in advance if you are planning to attend. Please complete the online form by June 5 to indicate your preferences and background. A separate fee of $15 at the door (cash or check) is requested for the music workshops. You do not need to attend the Weekend to participate.

Dress

Gentlemen are requested to wear the kilt if available, and ladies to wear a skirt for the Friday Welcome Dance and classes. The Saturday banquet and ball are formal.

Class Levels

Most participants should have a reasonable familiarity with Scottish country dance steps and figures or be regularly attending a weekly class.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to cover half the cost of regular fees. Those interested should fill out the online application form by May 17 before sending in the registration form. We do not want to see anyone turned away because of financial difficulty. Scholarship recipients can make a valuable contribution to the smooth running of the Weekend by assisting with support tasks.

Silent Auction

You are encouraged to bring items to contribute to the silent auction. It helps keep our prices low. Bring your checkbook and plan to bid often!

Dance Programs

Dance programs for the Friday night party and Saturday ball are posted on the website.

Registration

Registration is available by check/mail or PayPal. Deadline May 24--afterwards a late fee applies.

Your Hosts

The Midwest Scottish Weekend is organized and partially underwritten by the RSCDS Chicago Branch, RSCDS John Muir Branch (Madison), and RSCDS Milwaukee Affiliate Group.