Winter Term classes starting w/c 14th January
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Issue
Issue
96 Dec—Apr 2018
Jan—Apr 2019
Join us at our Nice’n’Easy Dance — Saturday 2nd February
Winter Term classes starting w/c 14th January
“Dancing Forth” is published three times annually. The copy date for the next edition is 1st April 2019
contributions should be sent to: dancingforth@rscdsedinburgh.org
Christmas dance 2
Links with St Petersburg at our Christmas Dance
We had great fun
at our Christmas
dance, dancing to
Iain MacPhail and
his Scottish dance
band.
Congratulations to our newly appointed Honorary Vice-Presidents
Dale Gray and Bob Grant, seen here with our immediate Past
Chairman, David Watson, (far right) and new Chairman Stephen Carr
Branch Information From the Trustees 3
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society It’s been a busy few months since our last edition and we are
(Edinburgh Branch) is a charity promoting already planning ahead to the Winter term. You can read all
the fun, fitness and friendship of Scottish about our Autumn events and activities in this edition of
Dancing Forth
country dancing since 1924.
Our classes started back in September and we were
delighted to see so many new dancers joining our Monday
Beginners class at Murrayfield, some becoming members of
the Branch. We hope that everyone enjoyed their first term,
and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.
The Intermediate and Advanced classes continued to do
well, however numbers at the General class were
disappointing. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on
how we can encourage dancers to return to that class, we
would love to hear from you (see page 7 for info on our
Winter term classes).
We ran our recalled AGM at the end of October. The failure
to achieve a quorum at the June meeting has resulted in a
Website: www.rscdsedinburgh.org considerable amount of work for the Trustees and cost to the
Youtube: www.youtube.com/RSCDSEdinburgh Branch. This resulted in a review of the Constitution, taking
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RSCDSEdinburgh the advice from EVOC and OSCR. The proposal to reduce
Twitter: @dancingforth the quorum from 25 to 12 was passed after some discussion.
Instagram: RSCDS Edinburgh This more accurately reflects the current membership
Email: info@rscdsedinburgh.org
numbers. A quorum of 25 was put in place when the
Join in the conversation membership was over 2000, whereas it currently sits at
Find us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter around 250. The AGM also agreed to the removal of the post
of Demonstration Co-ordinator from the list of office bear-
ers. This role will continue but not as part of the
executive committee.
Please inform us if you have moved or if any of your We would like to extend our thanks to the outgoing
contact details have changed Chairman, David Watson, for all his hard work and
contribution over the last three years and also to Ian Auld
RSCDS Edinburgh does not accept any liability for who retired from the committee, for his help and support.
goods and services advertised within our pages We also thank John Watkins, our Web Master, and Grant
Bulloch, organiser of the Children’s Ball, for their ongoing
Please contact us if you are a Life member and would invaluable support. Finally, we are pleased to announce we
like a membership card to ensure your Dancewear have two new Honorary Vice-Presidents, Dale Gray and Bob
discount Grant (see photo on page 2). Additionally Robbie Shepherd
has been made an Honorary Member.
Members can access additional pages on our website:
log in details are on the reverse of your membership
Over the course of the Autumn, we ran a Unit 5 Teaching
card
certificate course. This involved a great deal of commitment
from the five Candidates and we were delighted to say they
all passed. Congratulations to all of them. All of this would
We had a fun night at our end of term Classes Christmas not have been possible without the huge amount of hard
party, with dancers coming together from all of our classes. work Elizabeth Harry put into the planning and tutoring of
Fantastic music was provided by Roddy Johnston and the course, so we extend our thanks to her. Thanks also to
Seonaid Lynn. Dances were called by Kitty and Yoshi, two of Atsuko Clement who helped Tutor on the first two week-
our recent Unit 5 candidates, gaining some experience away ends, and to Robert Mackay who provided excellent music
from the exam pressure! Thanks to both of them for helping for all the sessions and exam. Finally, thanks to our many
out on the night. members who came along to all the sessions, allowing the
Candidates to gain practical teaching experience (see page
In early December, a number of members (who are clearly 8).
budding film stars) took part as extras in a film!
The Branch was approached by a film company to provide Our Christmas dance was held again at the Lauriston Hall.
dancers for a Ceilidh scene in a film provisionally called Those who attended enjoyed the programme, the tasty food
“Christmas in the Highlands”. The experience was provided at the interval, along with the excellent seasonal
interesting and we now understand why films are so music provided by Iain McPhail (see page 4). We trialled a
expensive to produce. We were “on set” for around 5 hours, new method of categorising dances so that dancers with less
for a scene that will only be a few minutes. So, watch out for experience could see which dances were easiest for them and
when it’s released next year! they would be comfortable doing, in order to build their
confidence and experience as social dancers. It also showed
Finally, we would like to wish all readers a healthy and more challenging dances so that experienced dancers would
prosperous New year. We look forward to seeing you all at have something to keep their interest. We’d have loved to
our classes and events next year. have seen a few more dancers joining us and hope that the
lower than expected numbers was down to existing
Happy Dancing! commitments or to the sheer number of other dances, but
welcome any suggestions that members feel would improve
overall attendance at our dances.
Christmas at RSCDS Edinburgh 4
Our Christmas dance is always a fabulous evening; lots of our favourite dances, mince pies and punch!
This year the programme included a lovely mix of dances and it was great to see lots of our Intermediate dancers putting their
best foot forward and dancing with confidence. The “traffic light” system seemed to work well, without any serious mishaps
on the dance floor. Elizabeth Harry kept everyone right with clear calling, and whilst a few dancers chose to walk some of the
dances, the pace of the evening never slowed and we even had time for an extra. (see page 2 for photos).
Iain MacPhail and his Scottish dance band were in sparkling form with some seasonal carols thrown into the great mix of
tunes later in the evening.
It’s a Christmas highlight as to what Brian Harry will produce as Christmas punch and we weren’t disappointed with a lemon
and amaretto delight which might become a regular Christmas favourite.
Another seasonal favourite is our Christmas party night when all of us can dance together in a very informal evening. It
doesn’t matter if you have only been dancing for a few weeks or many years, everyone is welcome to dance, socialise and have
fun. As ever, Seonaid Lynn and Roddy Johnston kept everyone on their toes with their energetic playing.
This year we had another Christmas “highlight”. Lots of local dancers were involved as movie extras and ceilidh dancers for a
new movie starring Nicholas Farrell and Geraldine Somerville. The Counting House was decked out for “Christmas in the
Highlands” and there was lots of waiting around for someone to call out “Action”! It was an interesting day watching the ins
and outs of
Premaking a movie,
tour publicity lots of standing
photograph taken in around for us and
the Caledonian Hotelnot much action, but a great time catching up with dancing
friends.
Demonstration Group News (see page 11 for m or e p hotos)
Autumn started with the return of our regular group of language students from Italy having lots of fun learning some simple
Ceilidh dances. The best advice for this event is to expect the unexpected; however this year all the students were delighted to
join in. Brian Harry and Gary Donaldson attempted to keep everyone under control whilst some of our Demonstration team
ensured that everyone was joining in. By the end of the evening we were rivalling the Children’s Ball for noise levels dancing
the Flying Scotsman!
EUROCITIES is a n etw or k of m ajo r Eur op ean cities and o ur team w er e deligh ted to w elcom e th e delegates
to Edinburgh with a very short display of Scottish dancing and then led
off their Ceilidh in the Hub.
We ended the year on a high, dancing at the Lord and Lady Provost’s
Christmas Party in th e City Cham ber s. Our team dan ced a
medley of dances from our 90th Anniversary Book (Royal
Edinburgh, The Water of Leith and A Trip to Edinburgh). The dancing
was splendid and all of the dancers felt the music from Matthew
Maclennan helped to lift them and enthuse them with energy. All of
the guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy the performance, especially our
good friends Norman and Anne Irons who were delighted to see us.
It was very kind of the Lord and Lady Provost to invite all of us for
supper, which was beautifully displayed and the wine was flowing!
Brian G Harry Demonstration Co-ordinator
Plan ahead for summer…
Thank you to all who supported our dances during the summer and hope you are
continuing to enjoy your dancing during the winter.
I would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to steward, to MC, man our
Box Office, the various people who helped to advertise our dancing on their web-
sites and of course the teams who demonstrated the dances. Without your help we
could not continue.
I am delighted to say that we will be dancing again at the Ross Bandstand next
year and planning is now underway for our programme for 2019.
We will be dancing at the Ross Bandstand on Monday nights from 27 th May until
29th July and after a successful season indoors at Fairmilehead Church Hall last
year we will be returning there again on Tuesday nights from 28th May until 27th August so get the dates in your diary now.
Please see our website www.Princes StreetGardensDancing.org.uk in the New Year for more information.
Margaret Burns, Chairperson, Gardens Scottish Dancers
What’s on 5
Annual Ball Nice ’n’ Easy Dance
Saturday 11th May 2019 Greyfriars Kirk Saturday 2nd February 7.30—10.30pm
dancing to Iain MacPhail and his Scottish dance band Lauriston Hall, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ
This is the highlight of our Always a favourite on the dancing calendar, with a programme
dancing year and is always a of easy popular dances that are fun for all, along with
fantastic evening in the historic a mini Burns Supper.
setting of Greyfriars Kirk.
Stuart Anderson
Insert Xmas
and
dance
his Scottish
programme
dance band
We are delighted to be
welcoming Iain MacPhail and M The Gay Gordons Guide to SCD
his Scottish dance band to play R Crom Allt Gr 3
for us again and are sure they will keep us on our toes the whole S The Byron Strathspey Drewry
evening with amazing music to dance to. J Miss Hadden's Reel 23
The Grassmarket Café, a local social enterprise, are making a R The Reel of the 51st Division 13
welcome return serving a buffet supper of fresh, local produce. S Mist o'er the Loch Dia.Jub
R The Sailor 24
Not sure if you can learn that many dances?
J The Frisky 26
It’s a programme packed full of everyone’s favourite dances INTERVAL
which celebrates 95 years of the Edinburgh Branch of the Royal J Light and Airy 4
Scottish Country Dance Society. The ticket includes a handy R J.B. Milne Foss
mini-crib for every dance and there is a workshop on Sunday 5th S The Silver Tassie Leaflet
May to help refresh your memory. J Mrs Stewart's Jig 35
Early booking is recommended for this sell out event R Duke of Perth 1
functions@rscdsedinburgh.org S The Robertson Rant 39
J Pelorous Jack 41
We’re heading west to join RSCDS West Lothian for
R Mairi's Wedding Cosh
this years Joint Lothian Branches dance on
Extras
Saturday 6th April
R The Deil amang the Tailors 14
It’s always a great evening and we are delighted that Stuart J The Linton Ploughman 5
Anderson and his Scottish dance band will be playing for us again.
Watch out for more information on our website, at our classes
and events, and on our social media pages. See you there! Want to know more about any of our events?
Check out our website www.rscdsedinburgh.org
Roddy Johnston and Seonaid Lynn
have been playing for Scottish
country dances and classes for a Save the date and join us at our annual Children’s Ball, the
number of years. They have also highlight of the dancing year for children all over Edinburgh and
been writing tunes, mainly for use the Lothians.
in dancing, and a number of This year, our Ball is on Friday 22 March at the Lauriston Hall,
Seonaid’s tunes have been
Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ.
adopted as originals for RSCDS
dances, i.e. "Eric’s Reel", Once again, we are looking for budding young dance devisors to
Edinburgh Branch 90th, "Farewell enter our competition to devise a dance. Watch out for more
to Helensburgh", RSCDS Book 48
information and ask your teacher if you can come along and join
and "Fair Enough", RSCDS Book 52.
in the fun.
Last year, upon realising how the
collection of tunes had grown, they
decided to put them into a book which was completed earlier this Did you enjoy our Sunday Social with Dunedin Dancers? It was a
year. “Winds of Change”, from the title of the original tune for the fun afternoon for all ages, with an easy programme of dances,
dance Farewell to Helensburgh, contains a total of 68 new tunes great music and lots of cake!
including the originals for the above dances.
We’re hoping to repeat this early in 2019 so watch out for more
The book (£5) is available from Roddy :
info and come along for a fun afternoon.
roderick.johnston@btinternet.com
Jan-19
12 RSCDS Edinburgh Children's Workshop Central Library, George IV Bridge
12 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 Scott Band Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
14 RSCDS Edinburgh Classes restart Classes start this week; Mon - Beg, Tue - Int, Gen, Thurs - Adv Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
14 Morningside Club Club nights restart St Matthew Hall, Braid Rd 7.40 - 9.40 Calum Marwick Sandra Shaw 0131 440 1558 secretary@morningsidescdclub.com
15 Harrison SCD Club Club nights restart Polwarth Church Hall, Polwarth Terrace 7.30 Yvonne Munro 0131 453 5624 munro894@btinternet.com
19 RSCDS Edinburgh Children's Classes Church of the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield Ave 11.30 - 1.00 - Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
19 RSCDS Dunfermline 90th Anniversary Book Teach In Parkgate Community Centre, Dunfermline 1.30 - 4.30 Alison Austin/Amy Drysdale/Alan Ross Amy Drysdale 01383 659923 secretary@rscds-dline.org.uk
26 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 Luke Brady Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
27 RSCDS Dunfermline Technique Class Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunfermline 7.00 - 8.00 Janet Johnston & Alan Ross Amy Drysdale 01383 659923 secretary@rscds-dline.org.uk
Dancers Diary
Feb-19
1 RSCDS East Lothian Monthly Dance Port Seton Community Centre Marian Anderson Iain McNeil 01875 852194 iain@longniddry.net
1-2 RSCDS West Lothian Residential Weekend Pitlochry Shirley Sim 01506 441101 weekends@rscdswestlothian.org.uk
2 RSCDS Edinburgh Nice 'n' Easy Dance Lauriston Hall, Lauriston Place 7.30 - 10.30 Stuart Anderson Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
9 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 Marian Anderson Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
11 RSCDS Edinburgh MID TERM - No classes this week; Mon - Beg, Tue - Int, Gen, Thurs - Adv Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
23 Trinity SCD Club Club night Fairmilehead Church Centre, Frogston Rd West 7.30 - 10.30 Jim Lindsay Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
27 RSCDS Dunfermline Technique Class Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunfermline 7.00 - 8.00 Rachel Shankland & Alan Ross Amy Drysdale 01383 659923 secretary@rscds-dline.org.uk
Mar-19
1 RSCDS East Lothian Monthly Dance Port Seton Community Centre James Coutts Iain McNeil 01875 852194 iain@longniddry.net
9 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 David Oswald Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
16 Dunedin Dancers Spring Dance Lauriston Hall, Lauriston Place 7.30 - 10.30 Calum Marwick Ian Brockbank enquiries@dunedindancers.org.uk
18 Morningside Club Club nights end St Matthew Hall, Braid Rd 7.40 - 9.40 Calum Marwick Sandra Shaw 0131 440 1558 secretary@morningsidescdclub.com
18 St Fillan's SCD Club Club nights end St Filan's, Buckstone Terrace 8.00 - 10.00 Margaret Harris 0131 337 4197 meharris1937@yahoo.com
20 Edinburgh Ladies Club Club nights end Lifecare, Stockbridge House, Cheyne St 7.00 - 9.00 Anne Hackland 0131 441 5108 annehackland@hotmail.co.uk
23 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 James Coutts Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
25 Morningside Club Spring Party St Matthew Hall, Braid Rd 7.40 - 9.40 Calum Marwick Sandra Shaw 0131 440 1558 secretary@morningsidescdclub.com
26 Harrison SCD Club Club nights end Polwarth Church Hall, Polwarth Terrace 7.30 Yvonne Munro 0131 453 5624 munro894@btinternet.com
27 Currie SCD Club Club nights end St Margaret's, Lanark Road 7.30 - 9.30 Recorded Sylvia Dalgleash 0131 449 6262
29-31 RSCDS Helensburgh Weekend School Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh Marian Anderson / Nicol McLaren Helen Cameron 01436 810605 helencameron@hotmail.com
Apr-19
2 RSCDS Edinburgh Spring Classes Party Barclay Viewforth, Wright's Close 8.00 - 10.00 Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
3 Dunedin Dancers Club nights end Morningside Church Hall, Cluny Gardens 7.30 - 9.30 Various Ian Brockbank enquiries@dunedindancers.org.uk
6 RSCDS West Lothian Joint Lothian Branches Dance Canon Hoban Hall, West Lothian Stiuart Anderson Sandra Shaw
6 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 Nicol McLaren Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
7 Gay Gordons Club nights end St Ninian's Hall, The Pleasance 7.30 - 9.30 info@gaygordonsedinburgh.org
13 Trinity SCD Club Club night Fairmilehead Church Centre, Frogston Rd West
19-21 RSCDS Spring Fling and Fringe Paris Various RSCDS 0131 225 3854 moira.thomson@rscds.org
23 RSCDS Edinburgh Classes restart Classes start this week Elizabeth Harry 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
24 Dunedin Dancers Club nights restart Morningside Church Hall, Cluny Gardens 7.30 - 9.30 Various Ian Brockbank enquiries@dunedindancers.org.uk
26-28 RSCDS East Lothian Residential Weekend Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry Alan Ross Iain McNeil 01875 852194 iain@longniddry.net
29 Gay Gordons Club nights restart St Ninian's Hall, The Pleasance 7.30 - 9.30 info@gaygordonsedinburgh.org
May-19
4 Trinity SCD Club Club night Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre, Clark Road 7.30 - 10.30 Colin Dewar Sylvia Davie 0131 466 8646 secretary@trinityscdc.eu
5 RSCDS Edinburgh Ball Workshop Murrayfield Church Hall, Ormidale Terr 2.15 - 4.30 Susan Ross 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
6
11 RSCDS Edinburgh Annual Ball Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place 6.30 - 11.30 Iain MacPhail Susan Ross 07041 323155 info@rscdsedinburgh.org
Classes for everyone 7
Adult Classes Term dates:
Winter Term: w/c 14th January 2019 for 10 weeks (mid-term break w/c 11th February)
The price of the 10 week term:-
Members £60 Non-Members £75
5 week Multi-Class Pass £42 for 5 passes, which can be added to with additional tops ups for £7 each
Pay As You Go – Beginners only £9
Class Day Time Venue Teacher Musician
Murrayfield Parish Church,
Beginners Monday 8.00— 9.30 pm Brian Harry Matthew Maclennan
Ormidale Terrace, EH12 6EQ
Intermediate Tuesday 8.00— 9.30 pm Barclay Viewforth, Maggie McLeish Gary Donaldson
Greenbank Church (Upper Hall),
General Tuesday 8.00— 9.30 pm Rachel Shankland Rodger McAndrew
Braidburn Terrace, EH10 6ES
Murrayfield Parish Church,
Advanced Plus Thursday 8.00 — 9.30 pm Elizabeth Harry Robert MacKay
Ormidale Terrace, EH12 6EQ
“This weekly class has reinvigorated “I had not realised how much fun
my desire to improve. I’m learning a the class would be. It delivers
lot and am beginning to see the physical exercise without a scrap
impact on my social dancing forays” of lycra in sight”
Apply online or register at your first class
Class Descriptions—If you are unsure of which class is best for you please speak with any of our teachers or contact us for
advice. Your teacher may suggest that one of our other classes would be more suitable and give you more enjoyment. We are happy
for you to transfer between classes to find the right level for you.
Beginners If you want an introduction to the basics of Scottish Country Dancing, this is the class for you. Here, you will learn many
popular Scottish dances along with the basic steps and formations needed to do them. After a few weeks in this class,
you’re sure to be able to negotiate a ceilidh or two
Intermediate Once you have a reasonable grasp of the basics, this class helps you build your knowledge of the steps and most common
formations. Some dancers are comfortable remaining at this level, others progress when they feel ready. You will start to
become more confident on the dance floor.
General This class is suitable for experienced intermediate dancers looking to progress. For this class you should be able to dance
most formations without a recap. The class will continue to develop footwork and advanced formations, handing, phras-
ing, transitions and teamwork whilst focussing on sociability and the overall execution of dances. And of course, lots of
fun!
Selected dances from upcoming events will be taught as many in this class enjoy going to Branch dances and dancing
socially in general.
Advanced For dancers who are confident with all formations and want to perfect their dancing with others of a similar level. Steps
and formations are covered in depth with individual comments given to help dancers attain a high level of technique.
CLASSES for young dancers on Saturday mornings at
The Church of the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 6AU
Want your child to learn how to dance? Get some exercise? Or perhaps make life-long friends?
Our Children’s classes are a great way for young dancers to have fun, make new friends and learn
new skills. The classes are graded by ability and offer something for dancers aged 5—15.
Beginners (P1+) 11.30—12.15; Intermediate/Advanced (P4+) 12.15—13.00
Full details are on our website
Please share this information with any young dancers you know.
Unit 5 8
I was thrilled to be tutoring our Unit 5 course, especially as both
Atsuko Clement and Robert MacKay would be joining me, making a
great team. We all bring complimentary skills, along with years of
experience teaching and playing for classes, which is great for the
candidates.
Knowing all of the candidates so well ahead of the course
really helped, although day one still approached with nervous
anticipation from everyone, There were lots of mutterings on the
day between Robert, Atsuko and I along the lines of “I thought so
and so would have known that!” and “Well, I am surprised…” along
with “let’s leave it & see where they’re going with this”. We quickly
settled into a routine and established an operations centre in the
kitchen with a continual supply of caffeine and never ending
quantities biscuits. You’ve got to keep the energy levels up!
My role is to ensure that the candidates are sufficiently prepared for
their exam, and that they have experience of teaching a variety of
formations and are able to adapt these into a dance. I aim to leave
them with all the skills at their fingertips to step in and teach a real
class following their exam. Whilst I am their supportive friend I’m
sure they also hate me at times as I’ve continually interrupted and When you’ve been doing something for a long-time there is a
corrected, but I know they are succeeding as the course continues temptation to think you know what you’re doing, but as I soon
and I say less and less. That said, the day of the exam is torture as I
discovered on our first Unit 5 training weekend in October - I had a
have to sit, watch and say nothing! lot to learn. I have done bits and pieces of country dance teaching
Many thanks to all the local dancers who have supported us from since I was a student in Edinburgh in the 1980s when I taught the
day one willingly giving up part of their weekends to come and dance New Scotland beginners’ class in the McEwan Hall.
for us. Reflecting on my own teaching practice to complete my record of
Congratulations to all of our candidates, I hope you get as much teaching practice (Unit 4 which is a prerequisite for Unit 5), I had
enjoyment as I have from teaching for many years to come. realised that one of my weaknesses was not doing a detailed
analysis of a dance to identify any tricky bits so that I could explain
Elizabeth Harry, Tutor them to the class.
Over the course of four weekends Elizabeth, supported by
Robert and Atsuko, did a wonderful job of identifying all of our
individual weaknesses, which were plentiful, and coaching us
to improve through continued practice. These four weekends were
hard work - there seemed to be so much to think about and
remember. They were also hugely enjoyable as everyone was very
supportive, and we all learned from each other as well as from the
pearls of wisdom dispensed by Elizabeth, Robert and Atsuko.
I felt privileged to have this opportunity as so much time and effort
was invested in developing us all to the right standard for the exam
and I don’t think I’ve ever before learned so much in such a short
period of time.
Kitty Shaw, Candidate
L to R: Faye Mather, Kitty Shaw, Fiona Mackie, Martin Adam,
Elizabeth Harry, Robert MacKay, Yoshi Shibasaki
It was really great dancing at the Unit 5 teachers course. We
wanted to dance in all sessions as we were keen to
support all of the candidates; we have danced with all of
them at social dances and know them quite well.
Most of the classes were well attended and it was good to see
faces from many of the local groups in and around
Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians. The sessions were
always fun and, although the classes were for run for the
candidates, we feel that we also learned a great deal and
hopefully improved our own technique.
We had wonderful music every session from Robert
MacKay, who dutifully played for the group from mid-
morning until late afternoon on a piano which has seen
better days.
We are really thrilled all candidates passed and congratulate
all of them.
Alex Dyet and Stephen Carr
From the Archive 9
The dance “The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh” was devised by the
founder of Edinburgh Branch, Miss Allie Anderson, and Branch teacher,
Mrs Florence Lesslie, in 1947 to commemorate the marriage of HRH The
Princess Elizabeth to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The tune, Dunnottar
Castle, was composed by Mr John Robertson.
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky head-
land on the north-east coast of Scotland, about 3 kilometres south of
Stonehaven. Originally published by Rae MacIntosh Music Ltd, the dance
has been reproduced by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 1996
with the kind permission of Music Sales Ltd.
On Wednesday 2nd March 1947 a local newspaper reports from the
Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh:
Princess to try new reel at home
Princess Elizabeth has asked for full details of the steps for “The Duke and
Duchess of Edinburgh” to be sent to her, so that she can try it at home. She
and the Duke were particularly interested in the reel when it was
demonstrated by members of the Scottish Country Dance Society in the
Assembly Rooms last night.
“It’s too complicated for me,” said the Duke; but Princess Elizabeth told
members of the Society “I think I’ve got the hang of it and I’m going to try
it”.
Want to advertise in Dancing Forth—contact us at
dancingforth@rscdsedinburgh.org
Later the Princess asked the Lord Provost Sir Andrew Murray if he could
find Miss Allie Anderson and Mrs Florence Lesslie, who devised the
One of the country’s leading dance, and Mr John Robertson, who had composed the tune (all
sports injury centres pictured above). Their Royal Highnesses chatted with them for ten
minutes.
Centre for Sport and Exercise
The University of Edinburgh
Do you know that we regularly release
46 Pleasance
photos and memorabilia from our
Edinburgh EH8 8TL archives on our Social Media pages?
0131 650 2578
For all sports related injuries, including
Scottish country dancing. Facilities Follow us on Faceook and watch out for our next post in 2019 or find us
open to all members of RSCDS by searching for #ThrowbackThursday #DanceScottish
Edinburgh Branch at reduced rates.
Local Groups 10
Edinburgh Ladies’ Club Dunedin Dancers
Venue: Stockbridge House, Cheyne St, EH4 1JB Meet most Wednesdays , from 7.30—9.30pm, in
Morningside Parish Church Hall, Cluny Gardens, for
Dates: Wednesdays, 9 Jan to 20 Mar Scottish country dancing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Time: 7 – 9pm New dancers are always welcome.
Contact: Anne Hackland 0131 441 5108 More information is on our website: www.dunedindancers.org.uk
New members and visitors always welcome. Come along and give us a try! Dunedin Dancers run a bi-annual Folk Dance Festival, to which they invite
various foreign dance groups, and regularly visit festivals abroad.
Morningside Club
Venue: St Matthew Hall, Morningside Parish Church, Braid Road,
Gay Gordons Edinburgh
EH10 6AE The Gay Gordons, Edinburgh’s LGBT SCD Group,
Dates: Monday evenings 14 Jan to 18 Mar welcomes all dancers to our friendly sessions.
Spring Party 25 March
Time: 7.40—9.40pm Mondays 7.30pm. See our website for info.
Music: Calum Marwick Website: www.gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk
Contact : secretary@morningsidescdclub.com
New members and visitors always welcome. We also attend other events with groups in London, Manchester and
www.morningsidescdclub.com Dumfries. Open to all regardless of experience.
Trinity SCD Club
Atholl SCD Club
A warm welcome is assured at this social country dancing club for adults
which meets (usually) on two Saturdays per month from September to May. Secretary: Sandra Cummings—scc_craigs@hotmail.com
Regular dances are held every month and all dances are recapped.
Venue: Thomas Morton Hall, Ferry Road
All dancers are encouraged to join as members which gives the benefit of a
reduced admission charge. Dates: Tuesdays from 8th January
More information is on our website: www.trinityscdc.eu Music: Iain MacPhail and his band
Visit our website for more information: www.athollscdc.co.uk
Currie SCD Club
Edinburgh University New Scotland
Venue: St Margaret’s, 525 Lanark Road, EH14 5DG
Dates: Wednesdays, 9 Jan—27 Mar
Country Dance Society
Time: 7.30—9.30pm www.eunscds.com
Music: Recorded
Contact: Sylvia Dalgleash 0131 449 6262
Festival ceilidh fun!
New members and visitors always welcome.
What can I say... I did not know what to expect. I had no
experience on what a ceilidh was. I couldn't even spell the
Harrison SCD Club
word!
Venue: Polwarth Church Hall, Polwarth Terrace, EH11 4LU I stepped sheepishly into the church. I was immediately
Dates: Tuesdays, 15 Jan to 26 Mar taken aback by the history and beauty, I was in blissful
Time: 7.30—9.30pm awe of this place. My nerves were instantly dissolved by the
Music: Recorded welcoming, friendly group of people.
Contact: Yvonne Munro 0131 453 5624/07832 135877
I was worried I wouldn't be any good at the dances. After a
New members and visitors always welcome swift and concise explanation we all were away and right to
it. The vibe was alive and everyone in the room, beginners
and experts alike, were all unified to the glorious music.
St Fillan’s SCD Club The band got everyone stuck in and I was surrounded by a
Venue: St Filan’s, Buckstone Terrace, Edinburgh room full of genuine smiles and laughter. The time flew by.
Dates: Mondays, 7 Jan t0 18 Mar
Time: 7.30—9.30pm This truly was an experience I will never forget. I'm saving
Music: Recorded the date for next year already. See you there!
Contact: Margaret Harris 0131 337 4197 meharris1937@yahoo.com Toby Neal
New members and visitors always welcome
Looking for new shoes?
Thank you to the many members who contribute to Branch members qualify for a 10% discount in Dancewear
make each edition of Dancing Forth possible. on production of your membership card .Demonstration Team 11
Our Children’s class with their guests at our Children in Need Ceilidh
Lord and Lady Provost’s Christmas Party—City Chambers Ceilidh fun with lots of young
Back Row L to R: Yoshi Shibasaki, Tim Bolton-Mags, Ian Brockbank, Grant Bulloch and Italian visitors to Edinburgh
Matthew MacLennan
Front Row L to R; Vivien Barclay, Eilidh Burgess, Norman Irons, Maggie McLeish, Frank Ross
The Lord Provost and Elizabeth Harry
See Page 8 Eurocities 2018 opening Ceilidh at the Hub with
Reeltime Ceilidh BandImages: top L & R Welcome
dance;
clockwise from left Sunday
Social with Dunedin Danc-
ers
bottom L to R Christmas
party fun with musicians
Roddy Johnston and
Seonaid Lynn
Toby having fun at our
Festival Ceilidh
All images ©RSCDS Edinburgh
Thank you to the many members who contribute to make each edition of Dancing Forth possible.You can also read
