Scottish Dance FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
(Regarding Scottish Country Dancing)

Do I have to bring a partner?

No. It is usual in Scottish Country Dancing for dancers to take a new partner for each dance. This adds to the social aspect of the dance and means that you get an opportunity to meet and dance with lots of people.

Do I have to wear special clothes?

No. For ladies, it is useful to wear a loose comfortable skirt so that you can move around. Some men prefer to wear the kilt, but this isn’t essential. Dancers tend to get quite warm so light clothing is more comfortable. In time, most dancers buy a pair of dancing shoes, but this isn’t essential for beginners. Shoes with soft, flexible soles work well.

Where can I learn to dance?

There are more than 165 branches throughout the world and all of them provide opportunities for everyone to attend a class. Please consult the Classes tab in this website for details.

Is there an age limit?

As long as you are willing to have a good time, there is no restriction on age.

What is Dancing Etiquette (From The Ghillies Gab Feb 2012)?

• Though it can be done informally, there is a strain of formality running all through modern Scottish Country Dance. The extent to which etiquette is observed varies from group to group and also depends on context (it is more relaxed in a class than at a party, and very closely observed at a formal ball). 

• Dancers of either gender may ask their partner to dance. It is expected that if you arrived with a partner you will dance the first dance with them, and one other on the program (either the last dance or one favourite), and dance with others for the rest of the evening. 

• It is considered bad manners to start forming up sets for the next dance before it has been announced. Wait until either it is announced or the band has played the first few bars of the tune. Do not walk through a set of dancers – walk around instead. 

• When forming sets on the dance floor, join the set at the bottom-- don't try to crowd in "wherever". 

• The first man in each line of dancers should do the counting – count down the line telling each couple clearly what position they are in in their set. If your partner is late coming into the line, stand on the men’s side of the set during the count. This ensures that one line holds the right number of people. 

• Each dance will begin and end with the musicians playing a chord, which is used to acknowledge one's partner: gentlemen give a shallow bow, ladies a shallow curtsy. 

• It can be fun to embellish the dance if you are confident with your dancing and with the dance. Remember you can put other dancers off by doing this. Be particularly courteous to beginners – they find the whole thing confusing enough anyway without you going out of your way to complicate matters. 

• When the dance finishes, thank your partner and your set. The dancer who did the asking then escorts their partner off the floor. .