Welcoming New Dancers

No Partner needed!
No need to wear a kilt, or be a Scot.
No dancing experience needed. It's suggested you wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothes.

Monday, September 20, 7:30-9:30pm,
Glashan School, 28 Arlington Avenue,
near the Voyageur Bus Terminal. Use the entrance in the south east corner of the school. Lots of parking.

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

Ardbrae Summer Social - August 2010

Dancers of all levels are invited to an Ardbrae Summer Social.

Date: August 10, 2010
Dancing: 7:30pm
Location:Parkdale United Church Hall, 429 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, Ontario

All dancers are warmly invited to attend Ardbrae's August social. The program features a jig devised by Ardbrae member Ed Gardiner, and a strathspey written for Guy Quesnel and Elizabeth Gammell by a friend and SCD teacher from Pinewoods. All the dances are relatively simple and all will be walked. The program is designed for a relaxing, fun evening of dancing for all levels.

Parkdale is not air conditioned, but there are lots of fans to keep the air moving and our convenors will supply plenty of cold water and other beverages to keep you cool.

A copy of crib notes for the dances is available in PDF here. Crib Notes

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!v
• 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

Membership in Ardbrae is purchased on an annual basis: $85 for regular memberships, and $45 for 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)

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

The Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa is a non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes Scottish Country Dance and Music in the Ottawa region. Founded in 1958, 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.