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Scottish Country Dancing in San Francisco

 

You've arrived on the web page for the San Francisco class of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. This is where you can get the latest information on what's up in Scottish Country Dancing in the city of San Francisco. If you are looking for other classes around the Bay Area check the Branch site The basic class starts on September 11, 2008 at Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez at 23rd Street top floor See our flyer for more information. Or see our class listings for more information. New students are still welcome even if they couldn't make the introductory party. Our youth/family class will also start a new beginning class in September. First class is at the Richmond District YMCA on September 7. See the flyer here. Click to get to your area of interest: Class Listings General Class Notes Gallery Other Related Events Other Related Groups Directions to Classes For additional information Call 415-333-9372 or 415-841-9456 or send email to us. We hope you come dancing with us! Back

What is Scottish Country Dancing? Scottish Country Dancing is the traditional ballroom dance of Scotland. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, based in Edinburgh, was founded in 1923 to preserve this joyful social dance tradition. Since then Scottish Country Dancing has spread all over the world. Unlike Highland dances, which are usually solo performances accompanied by bagpipes, Country Dances are danced with partners in sets of two or more couples doing an exciting variety of formations. The music is provided by a fiddle, flute, or piano, or by a band. Talent musicians play for parties and some classes. The dances vary in tempo, included lively jigs, hornpipes and reels, and the slower, elegant strathspeys. You can see Scottish Country Dancing at Scottish Games & Gatherings and at many other fairs and events. The San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS sponsors classes in many Bay Area cities. The Branch holds monthly social dances, an annual formal Valentine's Ball, a gala party at the Labor Day Games, an annual weekend at Asilomar, special events and workshops, and publishes a bimonthly newsletter. Some comments heard from dancers: "The music lifts my spirits!" "I like dancing with men in kilts!" "You don't need to come with a partner -everyone in class wants to dance!" "The strathspeys are so elegant, and the jigs and reels are lively and fun!" "You don't have to be Scottish to love Scottish country dancing!" "It's a fun way to keep fit!" "I love the sociability!"