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Scottish Country Dancing Classes 2007-2008
Last updated 24 September 2008
For more information on any of the classes, please contact the Secretary.
Beginners Class |
| Tuesday evenings, 7:15 – 8:30pm |
| Dates: | 2 September to 9 December 2008 |
| Venue: | Newnham Croft County Primary School Hall, Chedworth Street, Newnham, Cambridge CB3 9JF |
| Teacher: | Tony Garrick (Full Certificate) |
| Cost: | £56.00 for for the term. Applications accepted up to end of September only.
The first class (2 September) is free.
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| No previous experience necessary. Please wear soft flat shoes for dancing. |
A flyer with more details and a booking form for the class is available in PDF format. |
Ladies' Step Dancing |
| Sunday afternoons, 2:30 – 5:00pm |
| Dates: | Held roughly once a month, by arrangement.
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| Venue: | The Centre at St Paul's, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1JP |
| Teacher: | Alison Gundy (RSCDS Full Cert.)
Kate Gentles (RSCDS Full Cert.) |
| Cost: | £3.00 for students
£4.00 for non-students
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A bit of background on Ladies' StepLadies' step dancing is generally solo dancing, although some dances are written for couples or, occasionally, more dancers. It uses a number of basic steps - a few more than Scottish country dancing, although some are the same. The influence of both Scottish country dancing and ballet are clear. The dances range in difficulty, from those that need no more than three or four easy steps to those that are considerably more demanding. But that's where the challenge – and the enjoyment – lies. It originated in Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries. Dancing masters would travel around the country, visiting both 'the big house' and the village hall to teach step dancing. As a style of dancing, it was more or less lost (or at least dying rapidly) when, in the 1950s, Tibby Cramb was given a manuscript dated 1841 that contained a number of step dances. To say that the instructions were obscure would be putting it mildly, so Tibby set about finding people who had learned these dances and could help her interpret the instructions. Since then, it has been revived as a form of traditional dancing. Like Scottish country dancing, not only are the old dances learned, but also new ones are written – a true living tradition! |
Highland Class |
| This is currently unsubscribed; however, if sufficient people who wish to learn come forward, then the Branch will consider scheduling classes. |
A bit of background on HighlandHighland dancing is one of the oldest forms of folk dance and both modern ballet and square dancing can trace their roots back to the Highlands. Historically, Highland Dancing was one of the various ways men were tested for strength, stamina, accuracy, and agility. Indeed, dating back to the 11th or 12th century, the Highland Dances of Scotland tended to be highly athletic male celebratory dances of triumph or joy, or warrior dances performed over swords and spiked shield. However, over the centuries, the dancing style has become more refined and now shares many elements with classical ballet. Although Highland Dancing was traditionally restricted to men, today it is performed by many women too. |
Foss & Drewry Society |
| Sunday afternoons, 2.30 – 4.30pm |
| Dates: | October 12, November 9 and December 14 of 2008. |
| Venue: | Cockcroft Hall, Cockcroft Place, Cambridge |
| Organiser: | Ron Nedderman 01223 353869 |
| This dancing group is for those capable of and interested in doing difficult dances. The dancing is followed by tea at Ron's house. |
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