Forres branch celebrates 100 years of the Royal Society of Scottish Country Dancing
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The Royal Society of Scottish Country Dancing (RSCDS) is celebrating its centenary this year.
And the Forres branch marked the occasion with an anniversary dance on August 14 in Forres Town Hall to the music of the Frank Thomson Duo.
The event had a festive feel with a glass of fizz offered to all attendees on arrival.
Former RSCDS dance teacher, Dorothy Scott, said: “Committee members baked celebration cakes, cut for the company by Frank as well as life member of the society, Margaret Ross.”
Committee member, Sheila Grant, added: “It was a brilliant evening, so enjoyable. Everyone worked so hard to make it a success.”
In 1923, Miss Jean Milligan and Mrs Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich near Oban called a meeting in Glasgow in an attempt to preserve Scottish country dances which were dying out. As a result, the first RSCDS branch was founded in the city.
Branches formed in Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen over the next few years.
The RSCDS continued to expand and by 1927 was running a summer school in St Andrews, training teachers, formalising dance standards and providing demonstrations.
The society started publishing books of dances - there are now thousands of dances using traditional and modern figures.
In 1947, HRH Princess Elizabeth became RSCDS patron, a role she enjoyed for the remainder of her life.
“The society has branches and affiliated groups all over the world now,” said Ms Ross, “so we can take our pumps with us on holiday!”
The Forres Branch was started in 1950 in the Masonic Hall by Janet Banks with her sister Tibbie who played for the class.
Over the years it expanded to run children’s classes in Forres and Nairn. Children’s and adult’s demonstration teams used to dance at festivals and social events.
There have been classes in Forres Town Hall for over 30 years - the branch currently has 50 members across Forres and Nairn.
It runs three dances-a-year.
Ms Scott said: “The teachers talk the participants through the dances. A good time is had by all dancing to a professional band!”
The next beginner’s session starting at 7pm on Monday, October 2 at the town hall is a 12 week course, covering steps and basic formations.
“Come and try the first week for £5 then join up if you like it for the following 11 weeks to learn all the basics for £35,” said Ms Ross. “You will be made very welcome.
“Beginners can then progress to join the main class to learn how to improve their footwork, do the more complex formations and dance through a variety of old and modern dances.”
For more information email scottishdanceforres@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/scottishdanceforres.
