Use the links below to find out the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you still want more information please do not hesitate to contact us with your quiery.

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Do I need a partner?

You do not need a partner to go to a Scottish Country Dance. This is a throwback to the First World War when so many men never returned home. Usually, the ladies are slightly in the majority but there are plenty of men involved.

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Is there a Min./Max. age?

No, we are always looking for members of ages 18yrs and upwards. Scottish Country Dancing is popular with all age groups and some who join us are in their sixties and over. Often, those who take up this type of dancing find that it becomes a life-long hobby. Consequently, many of the participants are still dancing at an advanced age.

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Are there any special requirements?

Only that you are capable of light physical activity.

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Is there a dress code?

Dress is always informal except at the Essex Ball and similar events where the men are required to wear either Highland dress or a dinner jacket. Most men find that kilts are much more comfortable than trousers for Scottish Country Dancing. However, there is no obligation to wear a kilt at a social dance. All subjects of the Queen are entitled to wear the Royal Stewart tartan.

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How big are classes?

A class usually consists of around 20 people.

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Are there any competitions?

For those dancers who become proficient, there is a steady demand to participate in demonstration teams. These teams can be seen at the Colchester town festivals and local village fetes. Perhaps most well known is the team that provides background support to the South East England Pipe Band Contest which is held annualy in Castle Park. In 2000, the team was included in the Queen Mother's Birthday Parade and in 2003, the team was invited to take part in the town festival at the Hook of Holland.

Some Colchester dancers love their dancing so much that they go on dancing holidays. Scotland is the most popular destination but others go overseas. A strong contingent from Colchester attends an annual weekend at Belstead House, Ipswich.

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What should I expect?

In the beginners class, you will be taught the footwork and formations necessary for the reels, jigs and strathspeys. By the end of the second term, you will have enough expertise to take part in social dancing outside the class while at the end of the third term, you could have sufficient confidence to attend the Essex Ball.

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Are there official standards?

Standards for dancing are set by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society which was formed in 1923 and is based in Edinburgh.

You can find a link to their website on our Links page.

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How can I find out more?

Click here for an overview of Scottish Country Dancing

Click here to visit our links page

Click here to contact us with any queries

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