RSCDS Edmonton Caledonian Branch

1. Other
2. Dance Instruction
3. Community Organization

Edmonton Caledonian Country Dance Society has been conducting Scottish Country Dance classes in Edmonton since 1970. Classes for both adults and children.

Description

Scottish Country Dancing (SCD for short) is a modern form of the country dancing popular in Scotland in the 18th century. SCD involves groups of six to ten people dancing in sets to the driving strains of reels, jigs and strathspeys played on the fiddle, accordion, flute, piano, drums and other instruments. There are about a dozen basic figures which will get you through quite a number of dances, although many dances have their own quirks and specialties which make them unique and fun to dance. SCD is a very social form of dancing, not only because you get to dance with seven or so people at once instead of just one partner (smiles and eye contact are almost mandatory), but also because there are workshops, balls and social dances being held in places all over the world. SCD has its headquarters in Scotland and is known as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) with branches all over the world and has approximately 25 000 members worldwide. RSCDS Edmonton Caledonian Branch has classes for adults, youths, and children. Payment options are available for families if needed. ADULT CLASSES (Age 18+): Weekly classes are held between September and April at the Central Lions Centre 11113 113 Street, Edmonton, AB every Thursday evening from 7:30pm—9:30pm. Level 1—Beginners—Learn basic SCD steps, formations and dances Level 2—Intermediate/Social Class—Continue to learn basic technique and more complex formations and dances Level 3—Advanced—For those interested in improving their technique and phrasing and enjoying more challenging dances All of our teachers are RSCDS certified. Usually, the first half of the evening is taken up in separate classes according to the level of the dancer with the second half of the evening bringing all of the levels together for a few social dances. Social evenings are held throughout the year as well as (at least) four special events: St. Andrews Workshop and Social in November; Burns Night (celebrating the famed Scottish poet Robert Burns) in January; Annual Workshop and Ball in February; Summer Ceilidh in June. CHILDREN'S CLASSES (Age 5+): These classes are held on Saturday mornings from 10am—noon at St. Luke's Anglican Church 8424 95 Avenue, Edmonton AB. Classes Start in early September and continue through April. There are no special clothing/costume requirements and practice between classes is not necessary. Two teachers conduct these classes with children being divided into beginner and more experienced dancers. Along with classes, there are a few special events throughout the year where family and friends have a chance to participate in the dancing. All members of the children's classes take part in demonstrations (performances) often with the adult demonstration team. Children have performed at events such as the Festival of Trees, Robbie Burns celebrations, Rutherford House and at the Celtic Festival at Fort Edmonton Park. SCD is a great way to stay physically active and participation also develops confidence and self esteem as the children master the dances and perform in public. The Edmonton Caledonian Country Dance Society (ECCDS) has its roots in the University of Alberta SCD Club, formed as a non-profit society in 1962. Two professors, Peter Barton and Jeff Weston, taught weekly classes, and, in 1974 a team of demonstration dancers represented our club at Expo in Spokane, Washington. The club was incorporated under The Societies Act in 1976. In 1978 club members were introduced to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS), our society becoming an affiliate member at that time. In 1981 the U of A Club moved off campus to become the ECCDS. Today we remain primarily a teaching club, furthering the standards set by the RSCDS in 1923. RSCDS was formed in Glasgow, Scotland in November of that year, by Miss Jean Milligan and Mrs. Stewart of Fasnacloich. Their concern was two-fold: 1) that Scottish dance would be lost to modern dance forms if not preserved somehow; and 2) to standardize the traditional figures and dances. Scottish country dances and their music were culled from old manuscripts and papers and from people old enough to remember the ceilidhs held in homes and at social gatherings. Miss Milligan relied, especially, on her own mother's excellent memory of dances and figures. The first collection of dances was produced shortly after the society's inception and included The Triumph and Flowers of Edinburgh. All dances were traditional in step and formation, some dating back over 200 years. In 1953 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II became the patron of the SCDS, hence the RSCDS That title is borne proudly today by branches and affiliate member clubs around the world.

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Summary

RSCDS Edmonton Caledonian Branch is Edmonton based place and this enity listed in Dance Instruction category. Contact phone number of RSCDS Edmonton Caledonian Branch: 780-430-0412