How to tell local media about the return to dancing
Local media is a great way to spread the word about Scottish Country Dancing. After more than a year of lockdown, many people will be looking for new activities to take part in.
Here are some ways you can get publicity for your Branch or Group.
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What’s On columns. The simplest way is to send details of your group to your local newspaper’s What’s On column. Check the paper or their website for details of how to submit a listing. Keep it brief and simple – but ensure you cover the basics of the name of the your organisation, where you meet, what day and time you meet, any contact details and how new people can join or try it out etc.
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Send a press release to your local newspaper, news website or radio station. This should be short, lively and with all the relevant information included. We have included a sample press release (see below) which you can use and adapt to your own needs. Again, do your research and send it to the right email or postal address. You can include a short, separate cover letter or email along with your press release. If you have a suitable picture, then include that.
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If you know a local journalist, approach them and ask them the best way to get some coverage with their organisation.
See separate advice for Branches and Groups on using social media, including local community pages. LINK TO COME
Draft press release for you to use
We have produced a suggested press release (see below) which you can use or adapt to your needs. You could also send a covering email and include the press release as an attachment, or send a covering letter if you are posting the press release.
A covering email/letter should be very brief - simply to say Scottish Country Dancing indoors has returned after more than a year of lockdown restrictions, that it’s all about fun, fitness and friendship, and stress the opportunity for people to try something new that’s good for their mental and physical health. Don’t forget to include contact information, in case the media outlet wants to ask for further information.
Branches and groups know their own areas and communities better than anyone, so include any local knowledge or personalities that will help to spread the message. There may have been some limited dancing in your area, so you can amend the wording to reflect that.
Scottish Country Dancers are back with a spring in their step after lockdown
After more than a year of being stuck at home, Scottish country dancers in this area are excited about getting back on the dancefloor.
Dancing indoors is one of the last activities to be allowed as restrictions ease across the UK. But full Scottish Country Dancing indoors is making a comeback after months of online classes and some outdoor events enjoyed by a global community of dancers.
The INSERT NAME Branch (or Group) of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is delighted to announce that it will restart (OR HAS RESTARTED) its classes on INSERT DATE AND TIME at INSERT VENUE.
The Branch would love to see all the regular faces returning, as well as reaching out to new people to come along and give it a go. Scottish Country Dancing is a wonderful way for people of all ages and backgrounds to stay fit while having a good time and mixing socially. It’s particularly good for people’s physical and mental health, especially after long periods of isolation and lockdown.
If you have already experienced Scottish dances at a wedding, a ceilidh or on Burns Night, you’ll know the feeling of exhilaration when dancing to upbeat, traditional Scottish music. Maybe you just fancy the idea of trying something new that will help your wellbeing as well as enable you to meet new people.
Whatever the reason, the INSERT NAME Branch will make sure that new dancers are made to feel very welcome. You don’t need to have any prior experience, you don’t need special clothes or footwear - and you definitely don’t need to be Scottish!
INSERT ANY DETAILS ABOUT WHETHER POTENTIAL VISITORS HAVE TO CALL SOMEONE IN ADVANCE OR IF THEY CAN JUST TURN UP.
INSERT QUOTE FROM SOMEONE AT THE BRANCH ABOUT WHY THEY LOVE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND HOW THEY’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING. OR USE THIS QUOTE FROM RSCDS CHAIR LORNA OGILVIE…
“This is a moment that dancers have waited a long, long time to see,” said Lorna Ogilive, Chair of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS). “We can’t wait to get back to doing what we love most - dancing to great music and seeing our friends.”
During the long months of lockdown, the RSCDS - the organisation dedicated to promoting Scottish Country dancing and its music - held regular virtual events for its 10,000 members in more than 50 countries.
There are 159 RSCDS Branches and over 300 Affiliated Groups. They organise and run classes, dances and other social events in their own areas and are committed to helping develop Scottish dance and music for current and future generations.
For further enquiries please contact:
ADD YOUR DETAILS HERE
