Peterborough & District Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is a chance to learn Scottish Country Dancing in a friendly, welcoming group, for fun, fitness and friendship.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- it is sociable
- it is very good exercise
- it exercises the brain as well as the body
"I joined Peterborough RSCDS relatively recently primarily to improve the coordination between my body and music. I am now much better at that. But I have found it also improves my memory which is an added benefit - and of course not to mention the tremendous fun and friendships it produces."
How to contact
Where to go
St Mark's Church Hall
Lincoln Road
Peterborough PE1 2SN
What to expect
Scottish Country Dancing is open to all adults, male and female, from age 16 upwards, and children under the age of 16 accompanied by an adult.
People dance with a partner in groups of six or eight, however there is no need to come with a partner as partners are changed after each dance and usually there are more ladies than men, so it's very common for two ladies to dance together. This type of dancing promotes social interaction.
The group has experienced dancers who have been dancing for many years, and also newcomers who are just learning. They are always happy to welcome new members.
The dances, either reels or jigs (fast dances) or strathspeys (slower dances) are very active and are danced to cheerful music. The dances are all different and are taught and practised before being danced to music, giving people the opportunity to learn the sequences of steps, called 'figures', which are repeated in various combinations. By the end of the evening you can feel that you've had a good workout!
The class runs on Tuesday evenings from September to June, with a break at Christmas and Easter. Each class is different and it's not necessary to attend every week, though the more frequently you can attend, the quicker you become familiar with the dances. At the moment they have around 30 regular members, although not everyone is there every week.
They also have monthly tea dances on Friday afternoons in Newborough Village Hall. They have a teacher who teaches the dances, although from time to time members themselves will choose and teach dances to the rest of the group.
More information
There is ample free parking at St Mark's Church, and there are ladies and gents toilets.
The class is probably not suitable for those with mobility problems, although they are welcome to come along and spectate.
Layered clothing is best as you may get very warm during the evening, and flat shoes (pumps are ideal, though any flat shoe will do). You don't need to wear a kilt!
There is a refreshment break half-way through the evening when tea and coffee is provided free of charge, and people may want to bring their own bottles of water.
The Peterborough & District Scottish Country Dance group is a branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society which has branches all over the world and holds regular workshops and dancing holidays. All teachers have to undergo training from the RSCDS before they can teach a group.
The first class is free of charge, giving people the chance to see if they would like to continue.
There are plenty of videos online which people can watch to familiarise themselves with the dances.
After the first free taster session, the cost of each class is paid in cash on the evening, with no charge for missed classes. Find out current costs on their website.
How to contact
Where to go
St Mark's Church Hall
Lincoln Road
Peterborough PE1 2SN
