RSCDS Phoenix Branch: About Scottish Country Dancing

History of Scottish Country Dancing

The Society was established in 1923 by its co-founders to protect and promote the standards of Scottish country dancing. The Society achieved Royal patronage in 1947 and henceforth became known as the RSCDS (for "Royal" Scottish Country Dance Society). Today we are an International organization catering to the needs of some 25,000 members.

What is Scottish country dancing?

Scottish Country Dancing ("SCD" for short) is a form of social dance involving groups of mixed couples of dancers tracing progressive formations according to a predetermined choreography. Country dancing is often considered a type of folk dancing although this is not strictly true - having its roots in the courtly dances of the Renaissance when it first became popular around the 18th century, it filled the niche that is occupied today by ballroom dances such as the waltz or tango, as a fairly refined form of entertainment.

Also, Scottish country dancing should not be confused with Scottish Highland Dancing which (today) is a sport rather than a social pastime. (There is a certain amount of cross-over in that there are Scottish country dances that include highland elements as well as highland-style performance dances which use formations otherwise seen in country dances, but other than that the styles do not really have a lot in common today.)

Through the network of local branches, like the Phoenix Branch, the Society offers opportunities to learn and practice the country dances of Scotland. There are classes for all levels of dancer, and a great way to not only meet new people and have fun, but a fun way to get exercise.

Phoenix dancers may choose to additionally become official members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, headquartered in Edenborough, Scotland. Learn more about the benefits at the RSCDS website. For members wishing to improve their technique, there are workshops and retreats across the U.S. and around the world, including the Society's own Summer and Winter Schools in St. Andrews, Scotland.