August 2004

Scottish Country Dancing in Medicine Hat

Having grown up surrounded with Scottish culture, it is no surprise that as an adult I am actively involved in some aspect or another. Although, I have played bagpipes, highland danced and been supportive of various Scottish events throughout, it has been Scottish Country Dance with which I have maintained the greatest affinity.

Scottish Country Dance is something that can be done by all ages, of various levels of fitness. You don't need a steady partner, or a partner at all. Although this is partnered dancing, dancers are encouraged to change partners with every dance. This is to enhance socialization. Or in other words, it's a great way to make new friends. An excellent word that dancer Hilton Beach used to describe what develops in Scottish Country dancing is "camaraderie."

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. The goal of our Society is to "practice and preserve Country Dances as dance in Scotland." In doing so, the Society has managed to, not only revive the practice of traditional Scottish dance, but because of the worldwide popularity of the dance the Society has managed to create a global family. Dances in Japan or South Africa are identical to the dances I learn here in Canada. Netta Sykes, a fellow dancer, has just returned from a dance tour of the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Sykes says that, "we met many nice people who danced with us who were local. On the tour we danced with people from New York, Alaska, Australia, California, and Halifax."

Scottish Country dance is composed of teamwork, phrasing, technique, deportment, use of hands, courtesy, and spirit. Put together, this is one great form of exercise. Exercising not only the body, but also mind and spirit. Making this one proven activity to lift depression and bring about good feelings.

What brings this all together is the music. There are three basic styles of music we dance to. Quick time music includes Jig and Reel and slow time is called Strathspey. The Strathspey is unique to Scotland. Its prideful and strong rhythm is not found in any other cultural music. Each form of music invokes different dances and different emotions, so there is great variety to be had.

Every year our dancers look forward to attending a variety of workshops. Workshops are where we meet new and old friends from near and far. We can grace a ball and let loose at a ceilidh. There are workshops held in Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Lethbridge, Halifax, Victoria, around the world, and of course, Medicine Hat. Workshops welcome all dancing levels, even if you have never danced a step before.

Scottish Country Dancing is a fun way to meet people and is great aerobic exercise. Dancer Joan Kennedy nicely summarizes, "one activity fulfills a lot of needs, because it's fun, there are lots of nice people, it's interesting and it's exercise." For more details see our display add. All are welcome!

Questions for me? Please e-mail BeKean@telusplanet.net.