If you think Scottish Country Dancing is all kilts and synchronised moves, well you’d be half right.
In reality, it’s a social activity that not only breaks a physical sweat, but also a mental one – and you don’t have to wear a skirt, if you don’t want to. This centuries old art form can all be learnt at Anna’s beginners class, right here in Lane Cove.
“People think Scottish Country Dancing is Highland dancing, whereas this is the ballroom social dancing of Scotland, you can dance in the ballrooms, but some of the dancs are also danced in pubs and clubs,” Anna told ITC, who has been dancing the jig for 20 years.
Highland dancing is a far more sharper version of dancing, and not just because it can involves stepping around swords. It requires complex formality and structure. Anna’s class is structured around beginners and is designed to provide an enjoyable experience for all age groups and skill levels.
The lessons begin with light warm-ups and transition into walkthroughs of various dance routines before swiftly putting the newfound moves into action over Scottish music.
Although there’s nothing wrong with the classic Australian moves – such as the Nutbush or the old pants around the ankles while ‘doing the Eagle Rock’ – learning this new structured dance has a lot of benefits.
Dance With Someone New and You Don’t Need to Bring a Partner to Scottish Dance
“One of the things about Scottish country dancing is that every single dance you’re encouraged to dance with somebody new… It’s for anybody who has a little interest in keeping fit and meeting new friends,” Anna shared.
“You should always be thinking about where your partner is, where you’re going next, anticipating what direction you’re going, what formations are coming up, constantly thinking about those things. And of course, what that does is so good for your mental health, because while you’re doing that, you can’t think of anything else that might be bothering you.”
Fun Picking Up the Moves
ITC took to one of Anna’s classes to try it out for ourselves and can confirm, it’s as advertised. Although remembering the moves can take a hot second, it’s great fun picking it up with the other group members and completing a structured jig.
“It’s a good way to connect with people, and it is a good way to use my mind,” Mark said, who has been a student for about a month. “I’m not very good at it at the moment, but I’m confident and I enjoy it. I enjoy mastering a skill.”
Another woman, Jodie, who has been attending the class for about the same amount of time says it’s more than she expected.
“Love it… It’s more physical than I had anticipated, and the people are lovely. I’m just meeting people that I wouldn’t normally have met.”
Although the Scottish dance style may seem like a niche in the land down under, there is quite a large community based in Sydney, with many classes, social events and workshops facilitated by The Sydney Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS).
Tracy, another dance teacher who decided to step into the lesson halfway through says once you start, the possibilities are endless on where you could go.
“There are many more avenues once you start to learn in a class. There are socials you can go to, and there’s residential schools, and there’s workshops. It’s a big world of Scottish Country Dancing out there, and you don’t have to be Scottish to do it,” she said.
If you’d like to try something fun and outside the usual dance norm, you can go to Anna’s Scottish Country Dancing classes any Friday from 10 am to 12.00 pm (midday) at the Living and Learning Centre at 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove.
Classes are $10. Remember to wear comfortable running shoes or flat soft-soled dance shoes, bring a water bottle and a fun attitude.
Come with friends or on your own and get ready to jig.
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