Our 40+ years as a RSCDS Branch
There was a Scottish Country dance class in the Phoenix area which Joan Baker joined in 1978. When the teacher moved away in 1979, the class members asked Joan to take over the class. Since she had danced all her life in Scotland and in Chicago, Joan accepted the challenge. By 1980 an opportunity came for her to attend a teacher training class in Canada where she passed and was awarded her preliminary certificate. In 1982, Miss Gibson, who was then the secretary of the society encouraged her to take further training at St Andrews, Scotland where she obtained her full certificate.
In 1985 once again due to encouragement from Miss Gibson, Joan applied for Branch status for the group. This was granted and the Phoenix Branch was born.
Although membership and teachers have changed over the years, the classes are going strong. We
have several junior members and hope to train the next generation of dancers. We enjoy dancing to the
music of Scotland, learning about Scottish traditions, and activities which include balls, demonstrations,
workshops, and our annual appearance at the Highland Games. We hope that Scottish Country Dancing
will continue in the Phoenix Branch for many more years to come.
