Scottish Country Dancing is fun, great exercise, very sociable and a challenge to the brain…but maybe you feel that you want a bit more than just dancing with your friends at the weekly class and occasional social event. You are ready for the next step up in your Continuing Personal Development – your CPD. Read on…
Join the local team
Whatever its size, there is a strong chance that your RSCDS Branch would appreciate your help to make things work locally, such as organising events; contributing to the newsletter; or becoming a committee member. Contact your Branch secretary or attend your Branch AGM and volunteer!
Spread the word
Publicising local classes is essential for recruiting the dancers of the future. An effective approach is by performing at local events, such as village fetes and Burns Nights. You and your club might offer a demonstration followed by leading a few simple dances that everyone can join in.
Below are some more ways you can develop as a dancer!
Social dances are often the highlight of an SCD club’s year. But dances don’t organise themselves; offer help and you may have the chance to extend your knowledge and skills.
MC-ing needs a strong voice to announce the dances and get people on the floor, and often the ability to give concise, clear recaps since many social events involve walk-throughs.
Planning the programme for a social dance is a complex and intricate process, which will take at least a few tries to get right.
Download advice on programme writing:
If you are having live music, the proposed programme should be discussed in advance with your band. If not, you need to choose appropriate recorded music and organise its delivery.
Regular classes can give you the basics but may provide the opportunities to progress at your own pace. Look out for local day schools, residential weekends or week-long schools in attractive holiday locations where more advanced classes are offered. Some are advertised in the bi-annual Scottish Country Dancer magazine.
You could also take the Dancing Achievement Awards, short courses (at three levels) under expert tuition that help you sharpen up your dancing skills, with an exam to prove you succeeded.
Already leading or teaching a group, or about to take one on? Why not attend the popular introductory Basic Teaching Skills course, now offered by many Branches around the world. No exams and you get a record of attendance.
We have designed a Continuing Development Record so you can document your CPD, which encourages you to identify development activities and consider how your learning will benefit your progress.
This is aimed mainly at teachers and musicians but can easily be adapted for general use for dancers.
Whether you are hoping to attend Summer School, undertake a course yourself or organise a Branch course, there may well be a source of RSCDS funding to help.
