How to get started

We welcome all comers at our Wednesday evening Reel Clubs, and our more experienced members will help beginners to "find their feet", but if you are new to Scottish Country Dancing there are opportunities to learn the basics in a more structured class setting.

Basic steps and formations

At the beginning of each season for a few weeks we usually offer 30 minutes of teaching at 7:30 pm, before the regular Wednesday Reel Clubs. These are taught by Gaynor Curtis, who is a very experienced qualified teacher. Dates for these sessions will be advertised in advance in the Diary.

Diary

Local classes

Our local branch of the RSCDS runs a beginners' class from time to time according to demand, usually over 6 weeks on Wednesday evenings in Camberley. Full details can be found on the BHS Border Branch website .

Reading St Andrew's Society run an "Elementary/Improvers" class on Tuesdays - details on their website here.

The RSCDS London Branch also runs classes for "Beginners and Improvers" both in Richmond and in Chelsea. Full details on their website here.

U3A groups

There are a number of U3A groups in the area holding classes which are usually suitable for beginners. An up to date list can be found on the local RSCDS branch website here.

Day Schools

Most RSCDS branches and some of the larger clubs hold annual Day Schools on a Saturday during the season, usually morning and afternoon with musicians playing to accompany the classes, and often followed by an evening social dance. Often, but not always, there will be a class for beginners or those with limited experience. There's no single source of information about day schools, but many are included in the South East Dance Diary (look in the column to the right of the address), and a list is included from time to time on the SERTA website.

RSCDS Summer School

The ultimate learning experience is to spend a week at the annual RSCDS Summer School which extends over 4 weeks in July and August in St Andrews, Scotland. There, classes are available at all levels from beginners upwards. Details can be found on the RSCDS website.