RSCDS Oban & Lorn Branch

Do you want to keep fit and active but want something more than that? An enjoyable evening out and the opportunity to make new friends.
That’s exactly what Scottish country dancing offers. So, forget any preconceived ideas you might have and give it a try. The enjoyment and friendship you will experience for yourself, when you join Scottish country dance classes run by RSCDS Oban and Lorn Branch.

RSCDS Oban and Lorn Branch run regular classes from September to Easter. Beginners are made very welcome. All you need are soft shoes, a love to dance and we’ll find you a different partner for each dance. Our RSCDS qualified Scottish country dance teacher, Sue Porter, will soon have you confidently joining in this very sociable way to keep fit. Along with the obvious physical benefits of dancing, it has even been proven to help stave off dementia.

As for proof of the fitness benefits, then look no further than the recent study carried out by the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. To quote the study ‘Not only is country dancing enjoyable and sociable but there also appears to be clear evidence that it’s an effective recreational exercise for particular types of fitness in later life.’

Scottish country dancing, what is it?

As Scottish country dancing is part of our Scottish culture and heritage, we are trying to keep it alive. We aim to promote SCD for fun, fitness and friendship and offer classes, dances and events to suit all levels of experience. Beginners are always very welcome. It gives a very enjoyable social and physical form of exercise with the benefits for health being well documented.

Scottish Country Dancing is a form of dance comprising of Jigs, Reels and Strathspeys. Dancers are usually arranged in sets of 3, 4 or 5 couples, either in lines facing their partner or 1 couple arranged on each side of a square. The basic steps and formations, as well as dances, are what we aim to teach at our classes in order that dancers can confidently join in the fun at social dances.

Sue Porter

I started dancing at 3 years old coming to Scottish country dancing as a 10 year old and have never stopped. My teaching of SCD began at upper secondary school. Since qualifying as an RSCDS teacher in 1973, as well as teaching for branch classes, I have been fortunate to have been invited to teach at day, weekend and summer schools worldwide. My experience in teaching has lead to being involved with the RSCDS in various roles over the years particularly in the field of training and examining future teachers of S. C. dancing.

I strongly believe that dancing must first and foremost be a fun and enjoyable form of exercise, while learning how to do the 5 steps and formations to join in a dance.

Class Information

General Class

This class welcomes dancers of all abilities from the beginner to those more experienced dancers. Our experienced teacher, Sue Porter, will soon have you confidently dancing the basic steps and formations. Once you have learnt the formations each dance is just a different combination of 4 or 5 formations put together in a different sequence. Sue will take you through the particular formations of the dance, before the music goes on for you to enjoy the dance. Dances in the rhythms of Jig, Reel and Strathspey will be taught.

Come along on Monday nights and join in the fun. The first two nights are Taster nights and £3.00 for everyone

Day: Monday

Time: 7:45pm – 9:45pm

Dates: 18th September 2023 – 18th January 2024- 25th March 2024

Venue: Church of Scotland Centre, Glencruitten Road, Oban, PA34 4DN

Cost: RSCDS & Branch annual membership £29  plus class fee £5 per night

Advanced Class TBC

These classes are run once a month in October, November, January and February.  TBC

They are aimed at the more experienced dancer, who will be expected to be able to dance the basic formations without a reminder, as well as being able to dance more advanced formations with just a brief walk through. The focus of the class will be on technique and phrasing.

Dancers from the surrounding area, as well as Oban and Lorn Branch members, are most welcome to come to the class.

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