Scottish Country dancing is a great way to get a bit of exercise, both physical and mental, but most importantly it is about having lots of fun and meeting new friends. Almost anywhere you go in the world, you will find Scottish Country dance groups who open their arms to all newcomers and visitors.

There are lots of Scottish Country dances available, and in each club and each area, you will probably find there are some favourites. But it does not matter if you have ever heard of a particular dance before, you will typically get an opportunity to walk through the dance at least once, and have it "briefed" verbally before the dance actually begins. So everybody has lots of fun.

In Scottish Country dancing, we each dance with a partner (usually someone of the opposite sex, but not necessarily) and each couple dances in a "set" with 2, 3, or 4 other couples. Most commonly, there are 4 couples in a set, and each dancer dances with their own partner and with others in the set.

Most sets are in the formation of 2 lines, with men on one side and ladies on the other, although the position of each frequently changes during the course of the dance. Some dances are done in a "square set" with 4 couples, and a few are done in a triangular set with 3 couples.

There are essentially 4 types of Scottish Country dances. The three most common are reels, jigs, and strathspeys. Less common are hornpipes. Reels, jigs, and hornpipes are danced at a relatively fast pace, whereas strathspeys are danced much more slowly (and elegantly, when we can!).

There are 2 or 3 common steps in reels, jigs, and hornpipes, and another 2 or 3 in strathspeys. (In the image to the right, the couple are performing one of the less common strathspey steps.) When you attend a beginner's class in Scottish Country dancing, you will learn each of these steps in turn and have an opportunity to become very comfortable with each.

Along with learning the steps, beginning dancers are exposed to dances that make use of various "formations" that occur frequently in Scottish Country dancing. In this way, you gradually build your repertoire of formations and steps that allow you to dance any dance that is on the program.

All over the world, dance clubs hold special events at various times of the year, and these are commonly accessible on the web. Members of other clubs are very welcome to attend such events. These are great fun as you often experience dances you may not have seen previously, you meet lots of new friends (in Scottish Country dancing, strangers are just friends you have not met yet!), and many events include a full meal, a light meal, or a potluck.

So, if you have not tried Scottish Country dancing, Google "Scottish Country dancing" along with the name of community or area that you are in to find a club nearby. On Vancouver Island alone, you will find a half dozen such groups, and the same again in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver) area.

Come out and give us a try. No Scottish bloodlines required!