About Us What is the RSCDS? Are you all Scots? It must be expensive…? Is there a lot to learn? And who does the teaching? What about experienced dancers who want to join? Be honest – how much is it going to cost me? And what else do you do, apart from the Wednesday evenings? All right… I’m interested… I think. What’s next? __________________________________________ What is the RSCDS? It was founded in 1923 and the names of its founding members recur as names of dances. You’re likely to hear of Miss Milligan, Miss Gibson and Mrs. Stewart of Fasnacloich among others. Their aim was to ensure that the art of Scottish Country Dance, much of its repertoire dating back two centuries and before, was not lost in the world of the twentieth century. The organisation is now world-wide and Scottish Country Dancing is practised and performed in many countries, not all English-speaking or ex-British Commonwealth. Are you all Scots? No, though many of us are Scottish-born or can lay claim to Scottish birth or ancestry. What draws us together is a love of Scottish Country Dancing. All are welcome. It must be expensive… do men have to wear the kilt, and women a white dress and tartan sash, and then what about shoes? Well, some of us do wear the kilt, or a white dress and tartan sash, but usually that’s when we’re in a dance demonstration team or attending a special occasion. But on Branch nights all you’ll need are comfortable clothes, and flat shoes or even trainers will be fine until you decide to take it up – in which case a pair of dance shoes will set you back about £20 - £30. Is there a lot to learn? You’ll need to learn the steps and some of the figures first of all, and that happens in the Beginners’ and Intermediates’ class. However, at the start of the season or when numbers are low, the classes may combine.  Despite this, we do all that we can to place the emphasis in teaching on the needs of the group or groups. Some take longer than others to pick up the basics – a good sense of rhythm and previous experience of dancing is helpful but not essential - but it’s always enjoyable and you’ll be amongst people who’ve all had to start from scratch at some time! And after the tea-break, you’ll have a chance to learn some of the dances with a more experienced partner. The Advanced class spends a lot of its time on learning new dances and reviving older ones…and smartening up steps and figures, too!  And who does the teaching? We are all taught by fully qualified teachers of Scottish Country Dancing. Our Principal Teacher, Mr Tony Payne, takes the Intermediate/Advanced class whilst Mrs Liz Martin takes the Beginners, or both may collaborate in a single class, as required. What about experienced dancers who want to join? They’re more than welcome – simply come along to a Branch night and you’ll be invited to join one of the classes and come to the social hour afterwards. Be honest – how much is it going to cost me? A lot less than going to a disco – and you’ll get plenty of exercise and meet new friends into the bargain. The RSCDS membership costs £15.50 per year, and we pay £3.50 for each Wednesday evening (£3 for concessions). And what else do you do, apart from the Wednesday evenings? We hold `Saturday Socials’ during the season and try to ensure that as many of the dances as possible are taught in the weeks leading up to them so that as many new dancers as possible can join in with confidence. And there’s a New Year’s Eve Dance, the Annual Dance (in March) and an End of Season Dance in May. And that’s only our programme: once you start to get the hang of things you’ll perhaps want to join those of us who go to other towns and cities to support their socials, too. All right… I’m interested… I think. What’s next? If there’s anything else that you’d like to know, ring David or Rhona on 0115 981 3215. Or simply come to a Branch night – Wednesday evenings from September 3nd, 7.15 p.m. at the Bluecoat School (the new building) on Aspley Lane, Nottingham. Why not bring a friend? And the first night’s on us.