The RSCDS, the Teacher’s Association of Canada, and many other groups and individuals have collected and published teaching points and notes on Scottish Country Dancing.

I will be publishing my own on this blog from the perspective of the dance’s features, and its use in a class, a social dance, a performance, and a ball.*

Some dances are excellent for teaching figures or footwork, while others shine in a social setting. Certain dances have interesting trivia associated with their names, figures, or date of publication. There are figures which have been interpreted differently than they were originally composed, have been incorrectly interpreted, or are just awkward on the most basic level and confusing as to why they even exist.

Each analysis will include my observations on what level of technique and experience a dancer, a couple, or a set requires, as well as my personal notes on the transitions, the overall “flow” of the figures, and the level of energy and stamina each requires.

The format will be as such:

  • Name | Book – identifying the source material
  • Time Signature | Bars | Couples | Set Formation – basic information about the composition
  • Dancer | Couple | Group – what level of technique is required to dance it well
  • Teaching | Social | Performance | Ball – the best way to experience the dance
  • Placement in Program – if suitable for a social event, where it should fall in the roster
  • Modifications – how to modify the dance if there are less or more couples than are required
  • My Personal Notes – my personal interpretation, local variations, and general appreciation of the dance.

I will also write up information on how to compose lesson plans, social dances, ball programs, and other items on subjects that are not usually published, but rather taught and learned mainly through conversation.

It is my hope that you, the reader, finds these notes of some use to you, whether you are a dancer, a teacher, or a student of the history of Scottish Country Dancing.

*  A special thanks to James Gaffney of the Delaware Valley Branch of the RSCDS for inspiring this series.