RSCDS Brighton Branch

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs

Do I need a partner?

No! Usually in Scottish country dancing, dancers take a different partner for each dance. This adds to the social nature of the dancing, and means that you get an opportunity to meet and dance with lots of different people. Nearly all Scottish country dances need at least six people to dance together. And ladies can ask men to dance as well! 

Is it good exercise?

Like most types of dancing, Scottish country dancing is excellent, healthy exercise. We encourage warming up before class and stretching afterwards. The fitter you are the easier it will be to learn.

Dancing is very good for your heart and lungs and will improve your balance and bone density as well. But it's not just exercise - you can listen to to great music and have fun at the same time.

Is there an age limit?

So long as you are willing to have a good time, there is no upper restriction on age. We have classes for children aged 6-16 and for adults of any age. All you need is to enjoy dancing.

Can I dance over swords>

Dancing over swords, to the sound pf the bagpipes, is Highland dancing. Follow the links in the menu to find out more.

Do I need special shoes or other clothes?

No. For ladies it is more comfortable to wear a wide skirt (so that you can move around). Some men often wear the kilt for dancing, but again it is not essential.

After a few dance evenings, most people decide to buy a pair of dancing shoes designed specifically for Scottish Country Dancing, soft leather pumps or ghillies, but beginners should wear any comfortable shoes with a soft non-slip sole, such as jazz or ballet shoes or canvas plimsols. Be prepared to dance in socks if wearing heavy street shoes as some venues might require you to wear soft shoes to protect the floor.

Do I have to study for years before I can go to a dance or Ball?

No! There is more emphasis on steps than in ceilidh dancing, and the formations can be a little more complex, but the basic technique can be learned at a week-end workshop or through a couple of months' worth of practice evenings, once a week.

Must I learn dances by heart?

No! You don't have to learn any of them by heart if you don't want to, just the steps and formations, as the programmes for balls and social evenings are published well before the event, so everybody can check their crib sheets. Also, at the event itself dances are often recapped or even sometimes walked through before the music starts (although local custom may vary).

Do I have to wear a kilt?

NO! But if it's good enough for Samuel L Jackson? Men who are used to wearing the kilt find it comfortable for dancing, but many men dance in trousers for several years before investing in a kilt and some always dance in trousers. Women only need to wear clothes in which they can move easily.

For dances and balls, which are usually semi-formal, men can wear a suit and women any smart dress. For ceilidhs, stouter shoes are often recommended.

Do you have to be Scottish?

NO! Scottish Country Dancing is enjoyed the world over, across Europe and North America to Australasia and Japan, by anyone who just loves to dance. There are now more people doing SCD outside Scotland than in it, although the Scots do have the advantage of learning it in school.

Susanna Hawkins and Janet Elizabeth