Website-updated Friday February 22 2019

Cruise Tea Dance crib updated.

Class change information:
Monday classes on April 22 will be cancelled because of Easter Monday.
Location information for all classes is available under Classes.

New dancers are always welcome. First three classes FREE !
Click on Welcome New Dancers for details.
Meet our teachers and some of our members, dance to the reels and jigs. No swords, no competitions, no charge! This is Scotland's social dancing for adults of all ages: exercise for the body and the mind; lots of social interaction; lively music. Check it out!

Facebook has pictures of the 2019 Ball. 2019 Ball

Welcome New Dancers

For bus access please use the Travel Planner from OCTranspo. Travel Planner

Spring Cruise Dance - Sunday March 31 2019

What Is Scottish Country Dancing

Scottish Country Dancing is the social dancing of Scotland. Though energetic and precise, it is not to be confused with competetive highland or solo dancing. We emphasize fun, friendship, and lively music. We dance in sets of six or eight people to lighthearted jigs, driving reels, and strong, graceful strathspeys. And since dancing etiquette requires that you change partners after each dance, you soon get to know everyone in the group.

Here are some of the things that our members enjoy about Scottish Country Dancing:
• I love the exercise of both mind and body; it’s a great aerobic workout!
• It’s a social gathering to meet people and enjoy new friendships.
• Scottish Country Dancing is fitness with a tradition.
• I could join without a partner!
• Really nice people, talented and well informed instructors and lots of fun.
• Great roots music, plenty of feasts and dance parties, and men who actually want to dance!
• Something a bit different, something active and enjoyable that allows me to explore my interest in Scotland in a new way.
• My Mum's side was all Scottish, and I was curious - and a bit surprised really that this "cultural" thing had existed for so long and I didn't know about it
• I wanted to join a social dance group that gave a variety of dancing, would evoke memories of dancing growing up, and maybe spin off some friendships.
• I took up Scottish Country dancing to get some exercise. Then I actually started enjoying the classes, the music, the dancing, the discipline of the formal steps and the great fellowship and friendly atmosphere. (I also get my exercise!)
• I decided to give it a try and after three or four classes I realized that I was looking forward to the next class! I went to my first St Andrews Ball and had a fantastic time; I didn't realize how social this dancing can be.

Membership Fees and Form

Special Rate: Membership in Ardbrae is normally purchased on an annual basis: $85 for regular memberships, and $45 for students. However for the period January to May, the fee is only $52.50 with a further reduction for full-time students. This fee includes classes, refreshments and our newsletter. (For the student rate, students are asked to present their valid, full-time student card.)

A copy of the membership form is available here:
Membership Form (PDF document)

Meetup Information

More information is available here:
Meetup Information (PDF document)

Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa

The Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa is a non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes Scottish Country Dance and Music in the Ottawa region. Founded in 1964, we are an affiliate of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and we currently have 60 members. Membership is open to anyone interested in Scottish Country Dancing for fun and recreation. At our annual general meeting, members elect representatives to manage the organization, but all members, council representatives, and teachers volunteer their time and energy throughout the year to spread the social spirit of Scottish Country Dancing.