About
celebrate Scottish culture through dance and music
Scottish country dance and ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is social dancing for all ages and a wide range of fitness levels.
- Fun for all ages
- Exercises your body and mind
- Provides friendship
- Great music
- No partner needed.
It has its roots in the Highland Reels of Scotland and the 17th century dances of Europe. You can dance in a ballroom, dance hall, village square or local pub. It has been popular across society for well over 200 years.
There are well over 15,000 documented Scottish country dances and the list is constantly growing. Many of these are listed and detailed in the Strathspey Server Dance Database.
Learn
Learn Dance Scottish
We encourage people to be fully vaccinated against CoVID. Please do not attend classes or events if you have an upper respiratory tract infection – cough, sneezing, sore throat etc.
Learn MoreAdelaide Introduction to Dance Scottish
Learn the basic steps and formations at the heart of many Scottish dances. Suitable for all ages and a wide range of fitness. Book in for the next program, commencing Tues 13 May https://wea-sa.com.au/55435
Learn MoreAdelaide Branch
Tuesdays 7:30 - 9 pm. Spicer Uniting Church, 44A Fourth Ave, St Peters Members and non-members welcome. $10 per class. Visiting guests from interstate or overseas are most welcome. Jean Dodds will teach during April. NOTE BELOW CANCELLATION POLICY HOT WEATHER POLICY for Terms 1 and 4.
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Thursdays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens
Learn MoreAdelaide Social Club
Saturdays 7.30 pm - 9:30 pm. St Theodore’s Anglican Church Hall, Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens.
Learn MoreGlenunga
Mondays 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Beginners welcome. This is a mixed class of newer and more experienced dancers. Glenunga Uniting Church Hall 138 L'Estrange Street, GLENUNGA. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreBurnside
Wednesdays 7:30 pm - 9 pm. This is a class of more experienced dancers, but beginners are welcome. St Theodore's Anglican Church Hall. 46 Prescott Terrace, Toorak Gardens. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreBydand
Fridays 7.30 pm - 9 pm. St Margaret’s Church Hall, cnr Port and Woodville Roads, Woodville. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreCeilidh with Confidence!
Each month on the second Sunday, 2 - 4 pm, at Mitcham Institute Hall. No experience or partner needed. All ages welcome. The venue is air conditioned.
Learn MoreCollinswood Dancers
Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am. The Druids Hall, Cassie St, Collinswood. This venue is airconditioned.
Learn MoreFleurieu Scottish Dancers
Mondays 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Pioneer Hall at Middleton Beginners welcome.
Learn MoreHebridean Dancers
Wednesdays 11 am - 12:30 pm Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn SA 5062.
Learn MoreEvents
Bydand Class invites all to mark Anzac Day with a social dance. Please bring a plate of supper and/or your favourite drink to share after the dancing. Enjoy all Australian or New Zealand devised dances. Entry at the door $10 cash only.
Introduction to Dance Scottish! NO, it's NOT Highland, it is the traditional social dancing of Scotland. Learn the basic steps and formations at the heart of many Scottish dances over 4 sessions. Suitable for adults of all ages and a wide range of fitness. Move to great music in a fun environment, exercising your mind and body. No partner required.
Contact
- 44a Fourth Avenue, Saint Peters SA, Australia (Branch Class)
- PO Box 508, North Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5006
- +61-415746612 - Secretary, RSCDS Adelaide
- secretary@rscdsadelaide.org.au
- We offer classes far and wide from Collinswood to Victor Harbor, most days of the week, day and evening. We also hold regular events. Our Branch Class is held Tuesday nights at Spicer Uniting Church Hall.
Join the Branch
Your Membership - Benefits and Investment
For about $1 per week you can be part of a world-wide society of dancers, plus support your local teacher and Branch to continue providing you with fun, fitness and socialising through Scottish Country Dancing.
JOIN or RENEW now!!
Membership fees for 2025 (November 1 2024 to October 31 2025) remain the same as for 2023: • Adult Single: $65.00 • Adult Joint: $95.00 • Student: $52.00
Policies
Check the RSCDS Adelaide Branch Consitution, By Laws and Risk Management policies. We ask all dancers to complete and keep in their dancing bag their Emergency Contact details, should any emergency arise during a class or event. Download a form in Policies.
Newsletter
Members receive a quality magazine twice a year from RSCDS Headquarters, informing about world-wide dancing activities, the work of the RSCDS Committees and dancers’ products. Dancers in South Australia can also receive a FREE quarterly newsletter called Reel Spiel, about what is happening around the Adelaide and Districts Scottish Country Dancing scene. Members automatically receive this. If you are not yet a member, please register your contact details with secretary@rscdsadelaide.org.au to receive Reel Spiel (no cost if emailed).
Benefits of Scottish dancing - Fitness, Fun, Friends
FITNESS
It is well established that participation in adequate amounts of regular physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of premature death by helping to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; lower blood cholesterol; reduce blood pressure in people who already
have hypertension (high blood pressure); improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, depression; build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; and keep older adults physically strong and better able to move about without falling or becoming too tired.
FitnessFitness FUN
A study from the University of Strathclyde, in 2010, showed Scottish country dancing to be superior to other forms of physical activity in building levels of fitness.
A Canadian study found Scottish country dancing to be superior to folk and square dancing, and research from the University of Cumbria, published in January 2014 suggests that participation in Scottish country dancing could reduce the ageing process.
It also helps to prevent dementia through the complex interplay of cognitive skills needed to memorise steps and formations, interaction with other dancers, and the effect of dance music on the mind.
FunFun FRIENDSHIP
The social aspect of Scottish country dancing develops a sense of community and enjoyment, which encourages continued participation, and long term involvement, and is linked with good health, a positive attitude and longevity.
With about 160 branches all around the world, and 9 across Australia, you will find a class just about everywhere you go. So you can travel the globe, with your dancing shoes, and make new dancing friends wherever you go.
FriendshipFriendshipEvents ELSEWHERE
For Dancers...
Keeping you safe during the Covid-19 Pandemic
UPDATE JAN 2025 We encourage people to be fully vaccinated against CoVID. Please do not attend classes or events if you have an upper respiratory tract infection – cough, sneezing, sore throat etc.
Dancer Impairment Policy
This policy was ratified at the Branch's 2021 AGM. It provides guidance about dancers whose dancing abilities have lessened and who, therefore, are less able to safely participate in Scottish Country dancing.
Emergency Contact Form 2025
All dancers please print out, complete the form and keep it in your dancing bag.
Core Dances for 2025
The Teachers' Panel have chosen the core dances for 2025. These dances will be taught at classes and may be included on social programs and the Adelaide Annual Branch Ball.
BRANCH CLASS HOT WEATHER POLICY
BRANCH CLASS HOT WEATHER POLICY – 35°C OR OVER AT 6PM IN ADELAIDE ON BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY WEBSITE - CLASS WILL BE CANCELLED (Spicer UC Hall is NOT airconditioned - fans and heating only)
Scottish Associations of South Australia
Scottish contacts and events in and around South Australia, in the 2025 SASA Datebook and Directory. (Dates/details may change.)
F.A.Q
Do I have to sign up for a series of classes?
When you take up Scottish Country Dancing, as with all things, the more often you do it, the quicker you will remember things and improve. We recommend to attend a class regularly for at least 6-8 weeks to cover the basics.
But you do not have to sign up to classes by the Term, as attendance can be casual. Most classes cost about the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Do I need to wear a kilt or special clothing to dance Scottish?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable that you can move in.
Many men wear trousers to regular classes but choose to wear a kilt to special occasions, ceilidhs and socials.
Women can wear trousers or skirts or dresses, depending on what they feel most comfortable in.
Most dancers wear some layers so as they warm up they can stay comfortable, and they also bring water with them to drink.
What about shoes?
These days, most regular dancers find it more comfortable to wear dance shoes, be they ballet shoes, practice sneakers, jazz shoes, Scottish pumps or ghillies. It all depends on your preference and budget.
Ask your class teacher or fellow dancers for some recommendations.
Do I have to stick with one teacher or class?
If you wish, you might want to dance several times a week, with different teachers, at different locations.
Adelaide Branch Class is ideal for this as you will have the chance to learn from a variety of teachers throughout the year.
Do I have to have danced before?
Previous dancing experience like ballroom, ballet, bush or folk dancing etc may mean you pick things up more quickly, but you definitely do not need any prior experience.
It is more important that you enjoy moving to music and dancing with a variety of people, as it is social dancing with different partners throughout the class.
Do I need a dance partner?
In fact, Scottish Country Dancing is a great way to meet new friends as you will have an opportunity to dance with a variety of people at each class or at any event.
What about socials or ceilidhs?
If you have absolutely no experience of SCD, you are still welcome to come along and watch (and maybe a more experienced dancer will help you through the more simple dances).
The Annual Adelaide Branch Ball is for regular and more experienced dancers who have learnt and practiced the Ball dances throughout the year at their classes. However, spectators are also most welcome to enjoy the music and atmosphere of the Ball.
Do I have to join the RSCDS Adelaide Branch?
However, there are many benefits to being a member of the Adelaide Branch, especially if you dance regularly. We'd love you to join our Branch and help support SCD into the future.
Can I dance Scottish all year round?
Many venues are air-conditioned so the heat or cold does not greatly impact on dancers. Check with the class teacher about whether their venue is air-conditioned.
What kind of music do we dance Scottish to?
The tunes are played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums, etc. (no bagpipes, mostly!). For an idea of the music we dance to, check out the Scottish Tunes page.
Still have a question?
Or follow our Facebook page to check out our events and opportunities for beginners, visitors or regular dancers.
Adelaide Branch
On 29 June 1952 Mr W J Rattray wrote to the RSCDS Secretary in Scotland proposing the formation of a properly consitituted RSCDS Branch in Adelaide. The Branch was duly approved by the RSCDS Executive Council on 30 July 1952, and confirmed by letter dated 5 August 1952 from the then Secretary, Miss Muriel F Hadden. Adelaide was the first RSCDS Branch within Australia, holding its first meeting on 7 August 1952 in Woodville RSL Hall.
Key people in forming the Adelaide Branch were:
- Mr W J Rattray.
- Mr K and Mrs M Goldie. Mr Goldie was elected as initial President of the Branch. Mrs Goldie was the initial Branch teacher.
- Mr and Mrs Dickson
- Mrs S Rattray, who was elected as initial Secretary of the Branch.
Mr John Rattray
Mr and Mrs Goldie
The Adelaide Branch will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022.
Teachers - Adelaide
Committee - Adelaide
Adelaide and Districts Branch 2025.
We aim to preserve and further the practice of Scottish Country Dance across Adelaide and Districts.
Barbara Lupton
President
Responsible for the overall running of the Branch and acts as the spokesperson and representative.
Caroline Donald
Secretary
In partnership with the President, the Secretary ensures that the Branch runs smoothly in accordance with the Branch constitution.
Sharon Vincin
Vice-President, Web and Social Media Editor
The Vice-President assists the President and other Branch officers in completing their duties. Sharon also manages the Branch's website and social media accounts.
Terry Donald
Risk Officer
The Risk Officer maintains the Branch's Risk Management Policy and Dancer Impairment guidelines, provides advice on risk management to cover all Branch activities, and monitors Branch activities to identify and reduce risks.
Mark McDermid
Committee Member
A Committee member is responsible for contributing to the collective decision making of the Committee and helping to govern and oversee the Branch’s activities.
Natasha Joy
Committee member
A Committee member is responsible for contributing to the collective decision making of the Committee and helping to govern and oversee the Branch’s activities.
Rosemary Fotheringham
Rep to SA Scottish Associations
The Scottish Associations of South Australia (SASA) are dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the heritage of all Scots. Rosemary is the President of SASA and is our delegate and representative.
Neville Pope
Chair, Teachers' Panel (ex officio)
The Teachers' Panel prepares the annual Ball program, makes recommendations to the Committee of the need to hold Day Schools/Beginners Classes/Technique Classes, and provides technical assistance when requested by the Committee (eg teacher training).
Scottish Ceilidhs and Events
We love being part of South Australia's rich multicultural tapestry and sharing our Scottish heritage with everyone. We may be available to dance Scottish for performances, demonstrations and 'come and try' sessions
Please contact us at least 4 weeks in advance of your event to discuss your needs.
Ceilidh Dancing
Today, the term Ceilidh dance refers to an informal way of dancing socially in Scotland. Ceilidh dancing offers an excellent way of becoming familiar with the common social Scottish dances and dancing to Scotland's amazing music.
Learn MoreCommunity Events
We may be available to support Adelaide and surrounding community events and fundraisers, fairs, fetes, and celebrations.
Learn MoreSupporting Scottish Events
We regularly participate in and entertain at local Scottish cultural events, such as Robert Burns functions, St Andrew's Day, Tartan Day, Highland Gatherings, and Clan dinners.
Learn MoreRSCDS
The Branches (also known as Local Associations) are independent, autonomous bodies that operate under a Licence Agreement with the Society. Branches and Affiliated Groups are the “grass roots” organisations that run classes, provide training and host social events at a local level in their own areas.
Members of the RSCDS, through the Branches, appoint delegates to represent them at the Society’s General Meetings.
RSCDS Membership
There are many reasons to join the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, but most become members because it is a fun, enjoyable way to keep active and socialise with people from around the world!
Anyone can join the RSCDS.
Active dancers and anyone who is interested are encouraged to join through one of the Society's 160+ Branches worldwide (either the local Adelaide branch, International Branch or Youth Branch) so that you are in touch with what is happening in your local area or wider.
Discover all the benefits of membership and learn more about the Society through the Membership Brochure.
History of the Society - RSCDS
In the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries, as the waltz and other ballroom and sequence dancing became popular, Scottish Country Dancing fell from favour. It was rescued by Dr Jean Milligan and Mrs Ysobel Stewart, the joint founder members in 1923 of what eventually became the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
The RSCDS researched old dance publications, published authoritative dance descriptions and undertook to train teachers; later, it helped members to set up RSCDS Branches and accepted independent Scottish Country Dance clubs as affiliated societies.
Subsequently, many devisers have published new dances, sometimes on their own account and sometimes under the aegis of the RSCDS, using the more basic Figures of the old répertoire together with newly devised Figures. There are now 51 books of dances published by the Society.
RSCDS Australia
Putting you in touch with groups around Australia.
RSCDS New Zealand
Information about Scottish Country Dancing in NZ.
Photo Gallery
- Fringe Ceilidh 2025
- St Patrick's Social 2025
- Welcome Social 2025
- Adelaide Ball 2024
- Tartan Day Ceilidh 2024
- Tartan Day Ceilidh 2023
- Ceilidh March 2024
- Welcome Social 2024
- Adelaide Ball 2023
- Auld Lang Syne 2023
- 70th Celebration Ceilidh
- Spring Workshop Gaye Collin
- Branch Class Damon Collin
- Adelaide Ball 2022
- Auld Lang Syne 2022
- Day of Dance 2022
- Spring Day of Dance 2021
- Adelaide Ball 2021
- Beginners' Program 2021
- Auld Lang Syne - Come and Try 2021
- Mt Barker Ceilidh 2021
- Autumn Day of Dance 2021
- Welcome Social 2021
- 2020 Welcome Social
- 2019 EOY Celebrations
- St Andrew's Social 2019
- November Day of Dancing 2019
- Spring Fling 2019
- 2019 Adelaide Ball
- Musicians' Workshop
- Service Awards
Videos
Links and Resources
The Strathspey Server
Discussion group, with a wealth of SCD information and links
Dance Data
Largest SCD database on the web – contains comprehensive information on dances, formations, people, publications, albums, recordings, and tunes.
St Andrew's Shoes
Supplier of Scottish Dancing Shoes, based in Brisbane, Qld
Grand Chain
The Edinburgh Scottish Dance Resource
The Celtic Circle
Scottish Country Dance in Continental Europe
The Inter-City Scot
Information source about Scottish country dancing activities in Canada and the United States of America (USA).
Teachers' Association Canada TAC
Serving Scottish Dance teachers for over 50 years, and continue to grow and evolve
South Australian Scottish Resources
Groups, societies and businesses supporting Scottish culture across South Australia
Some Scottish Tunes
Acknowledgement
We dance on the Adelaide plains and Fleurieu Peninsula, and acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the traditional custodians of the land of the Adelaide Plains, and the Ngarrindjeri people are the traditional custodians of the land of the Fleurieu Peninsula. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land.
