Today the term ‘Scottish country dance’ embraces the social dances of Scotland that have evolved from many traditions and are danced throughout the world by Scots and non-Scots alike. The RSCDS has always stressed the importance of the social nature of the dance form, but it is equally concerned with upholding the standards of correct dancing technique. It is this unique blend of wonderful music,
disciplined dancing, intricate floor patterns and sociability that appeals to so many people throughout the world. Scottish country dancing (SCD) is a sociable dance form with roots stretching back for centuries. Participants are grouped into sets, typically of 3, 4 or 5 couples arranged either in two lines (men facing women) or in a square, and work together to dance a sequence of formations. This will leave them in a new order, and the dance is repeated enough times to bring them back to their starting positions, with everyone dancing each position in turn. SCD is mainly danced socially, for pleasure and enjoyment, but many groups also perform; there are even occasional competitions. Although the basic steps and formations are easy to pick up, the technique is being honed continuously so that at its highest levels it can now be an extremely athletic, balletic dance form (not that the majority of social dancers take it as seriously as that). The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is a registered Scottish Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee dedicated to promoting Scottish country dance. It has a worldwide network of Branches and Affiliated Groups, with a small administrative team at its central office in Edinburgh. The Branches (also known as Local Associations), which are independent, autonomous bodies, operate under a Licence Agreement with the Society. Branches and Affiliated Groups are the “grass roots” organizations that run classes, training and social events at a local level in their own areas.
