- The
Austin Scottish Country Society
Scottish Country Dancing, the traditional ballroom dancing of Scotland, combines the native highland steps with the manner and elegance of dancing which came to Scotland through ties with France and the "Auld Alliance," Mary Queen of Scots and 18th and 19th Century dancing masters. It continues to evolve as new dances and formations were created throughout the 20th century. Men in kilts and ladies draped in bright tartan move in rhythm to jigs, reels and elegant strathspeys. Country dancing is performed in sets of three or four couples with different dances being distinguished by varying patterns and turns.
The Austin Scottish Country Society is people, from children to retirees, who enjoy Scottish country dancing. The group is an affiliate of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Edinburgh, Scotland. They frequently perform at festivals around the state and offer weekly classes for all age and skill levels for people who come with, or without, a partner. Monthly social dances provide an opportunity to dance and socialize with people in other classes. The highlight of the Scottish Country Dance year is a formal St. Andrews Ball in early December each year.
For more information contact Sarah Harriman at 327-2869 (sarah@ututx.org) or visit the Austin Scottish Country Dance web site at www.austinscd.org.
- Celtic Menagerie - Professional performance Dance Troop
