Royal Scottish Country Dance Society: Manchester Branch

Fàilte / Welcome

Discover the Joy of Scottish Country Dancing in Manchester. Whether you want to learn something new, combat loneliness, or enjoy a fun mental & physical workout, our Beginner-friendly Scottish Country Dance classes are the perfect place to start. These lessons teach you the skills and confidence to enjoy social dancing. You don't need to be Scottish to dance Scottish, so be brave and give it a go!

Scottish Country and Cèilidh Dancing is not just a dance form; it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and movement, and in Manchester, we are proud to offer a vibrant and welcoming space for all dance enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, our classes are designed to embrace and cultivate every dancer’s spirit. Still not sure what it is we do? Watch This Youtube Video.

See our Classes page to find your nearest class or check out our What We Do page for more about us.

We also run social dances, which are opportunities to meet like-minded people from other classes. Our classes will help prepare you for these. Please see our Events page for more details.

Class Information

All our classes are open to beginners and more experienced dancers alike, with regular taster sessions for complete novices. The class includes tuition of technique (figures and footwork) elements by qualified RSCDS instructors (volunteers), in addition to some fun social dancing to blow off steam after a long day at work! Please note that these are Scottish Country Dance Classes and so will feature a wider repertoire than most public Cèilidh dances. However, the emphasis is on learning the building blocks (figures) not memorising dances, so the lessons also prepare you for Cèilidhs.

Wear comfortable clothing for exercise and flat shoes/trainers. Bring a (re-usable) bottle of water with you.

For maximum enjoyment and progression, we recommend committing to a whole term. Class fees cover hall hire & insurance only - we are an entirely volunteer run club & our teachers are also volunteers.

We do not run classes during June, July and August, but other groups in the area do - contact us for more info.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer classes for children under 18.

Events (Dances & Musicians Workshops)

The skills for these social events are taught in our Beginner/Improver classes. If you haven't danced before, or your only experience is Cèilidh dancing, please come to our classes for 4-6 weeks before trying a social dance.

New for 2026: Scottish Country Dance Musician's Workshop. Details below.

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What We Do

What is Scottish Country Dancing?

Scottish Country and Cèilidh Dancing is not just a dance form; it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and movement, and in Manchester, we are proud to offer a vibrant and welcoming space for all dance enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, our classes are designed to embrace and cultivate every dancer’s spirit.

Click here for a video example of a Traditional Scottish Country Dance.

Scottish Country and Cèilidh (pronounced "kay-lee") Dancing is rooted in the cultural heritage of Scotland, characterized by its spirited group dances and engaging live music. Here in Manchester, we bring this age-old tradition to life through inclusive and joyful experiences. The infectious energy of our classes fosters camaraderie and builds bonds among participants, whether they’re joining for social reasons, fitness, or simply for the joy of dance.

At each of our classes we incorporate a variety of music styles and tempos, allowing dancers to experience the full spectrum of Scottish culture while letting loose on the dance floor. Each class is not just about mastering the steps, but also about enjoying the rhythm and connections that come with dancing together. There are three types of Scottish Country Dancing: Jigs, Reels and Strathspeys. Jigs and reels are faster dances, whereas Strathspeys are uniquely Scottish with a slow stately tempo. All three types are taught at our classes.

Dances usually involve between 4 and 10 dancers, with each pair of dancers taking a turn in the spotlight, supported by the other dancers in the group. You don't need to bring a regular partner in order to participate since you will change partners for each dance. Dances follow patterns made up of a sequence of discrete movements called "formations". Whilst there is some footwork to be learned, the emphasis is on the patterns made around the dance hall and the fun and friendly atmosphere. It is not necessary to memorise whole dances as there is always a dance caller to tell you what comes next in the dance. Having mastered the basics at our classes, a dancer should be able to confidently participate at Cèilidhs and beginner level ("nice and easy") social dances.

We believe that dancing is for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. We create a welcoming environment where all are encouraged to give it a go. Our classes cater to a variety of skill levels, so whether you’ve danced before or are stepping onto the floor for the first time, you’ll feel right at home. You are never too old to start dancing.

We are committed to the continuous improvement of our dancers. Our RSCDS qualified teachers are experienced and passionate dancers themselves who want you to enjoy their hobby too. From basic footwork to more advanced formations, we strive to ensure that every dancer leaves the class feeling accomplished and inspired to keep dancing.

We invite you to experience the warmth and excitement of Scottish Country Dancing in Manchester. Whether you want to learn something new, build lasting friendships, or enjoy a fun workout, our classes are the perfect place to start. Check out our schedule on our website and sign up for a class today—come and be part of our joyous community!

About The RSCDS

The Scottish Country Dance Society was formed in Glasgow in 1923 with the aim of preserving country dances as danced in Scotland. The society received its "Royal" status in 1951 and has expanded to over 170 branches in the UK and worldwide. More about the RSCDS can be found here. The Manchester branch was founded in 1935 and continues to hold classes and dances suitable for all levels of dancer.

Scottish Country Dancing is not just a dance form; it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and movement, and in Manchester, we are proud to offer a vibrant and welcoming space for all dance enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, our classes are designed to embrace and cultivate every dancer’s spirit.

RSCDS Manchester Branch celebrated its 90th Anniversary year in 2025 with a series of events and a new book of dances. We hope you can join us in our 91st year and discover a new hobby that will last for many years to come.

The Health Benefits of Dancing

Dancing is an excellent way of keeping active, improving mental health and reducing stress levels. It is suitable for all ages, fitness and ability levels. Dancing is an ideal way of meeting people and making new friends. Scottish country dancing is also very good at improving memory skills. So join us for fun, fitness and friendship!

Displays, Demonstrations and Cèilidhs

Our current commitment is to our own classes and dances. We are interested in taking part in community fairs and similar events to advertise our classes free of charge. Please Email Us to let us know about your event. We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers.

Unfortunately we are unable to make any commitments towards running Cèilidhs, Hen/Stag Do's or other Demos at this time.

How To Contact Us

Newcomers/Prospective dancers: please email us at least 48 hours in advance to book a place. This is so we can track numbers for classes and plan accordingly.

Members of other RSCDS branches and Scottish Country Dance Groups wishing to send us information about your upcoming events, please email details/flyers to: General Enquiries Email Link , post directly on our facebook group (local events only - posts are moderated), or give flyers to a comittee member in person. We will read out flyers at classes. Thank you.

RSCDS Manchester is a registered charity, No. 1082107.

GDPR Statement: By contacting us you agree that we may from time to time send you details of our classes and events. We will not use your details for any other purpose than this or administering your membership and will not give your details to third parties. If you no longer wish to be contacted, please email us stating you wish to opt-out of future communications.

Venue Information

Our class venues are:

• Tuesday classes: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN
• Wednesday classes: Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, M32 OLG

Useful Links to other Clubs, Classes and Dance Resources

Nearby Children's Classes

Wigan Thistle Society run family classes

RSCDS Leeds Children's class

Information for Guide and Scout Groups

Dance Shoes

After your first 6-8 weeks of lessons we recommend you obtain the proper shoes. Ladies normally wear black "ballet flats", whilst men wear "ghillies". It is strongly recommended you wear dance insoles inside your shoes. For those with long term foot or knee problems, jazz shoes (with insoles) or "dance sneakers" may be a better option. Shoes can be obtained via the following links (in order of distance). Please ask class tutors for more advice. A "How-To" on choosing and maintaining shoes is also available to download from our Distance Learning page

Fit To Dance, Altringham Sells a variety of ladies shoes for all types of dance.

RSCDS Leeds Branch Shop. Note this shop is run for dancers by the Leeds Branch and all profits go back into dancing. They sell mens' & ladies' Dance Shoes, Scottish Dance books and CDs. Order online or at a Leeds Branch Dance.

James Senior Shoes (St Andrews, Scotland) A dedicated Scottish Country Dance shop for bespoke fittings.

Thistle Shoes (Glenrothes, Scotland) A dedicated Scottish Country Dance shop for bespoke fittings.

General Scottish Dance Resources

Scottish Country Dance Database (SCDDB) for dance cribs and videos.

Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary for instructional videos on figures and footwork.

RSCDS Headquarters

RSCDS Leeds Branch Shop this shop is run for dancers by the Leeds Branch and all profits go back into dancing. They sell mens' & ladies' Dance Shoes, Scottish Dance books and CDs. Order online or at a Leeds Branch Dance.

Youtube has many videos of scottish dancing, including instructional videos - although video and dancer quality varies.

Wikipedia long read on Scottish Country Dancing

Are You Dancing directory of UK dance groups by location

Gallery

This is a selection of our recent photos. For more photos and videos, please see our facebook page

If you have any videos or photos taken at any of our recent events and would like them displayed on our website, please send them to us via the branch email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear and bring to class

• Flat, lightweight shoes or trainers are ideal for your first few lessons. No heels or heavy boots please. After 6-8 weeks of lessons, we recommend you invest in the proper shoes. See Useful Links tab for more details.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing with at least one layer you can take off easily, as you will get quite warm during the class - particularly in the winter where venues may start off quite cold.
• A (reusable) bottle of water/juice.
• Weekly class fee (in cash or cheque)
• Plenty of enthusiasm!

Do I need to bring a partner?

No. You will be expected to change partners after every dance, so everyone will get to participate. Experienced dancers will naturally try to dance with less experienced dancers in order to aid their learning & development. Dancing with the same one person to the exclusion of others is actively discouraged in social and folk dancing. However, the more the merrier - so feel free to bring a friend!

Are these just Cèilidh lessons?

Scottish Cèilidh dancing is a subset of Traditional Scottish Country Dancing. Many of the component parts (the "figures") encountered in Cèilidh Dancing are present throughout Scottish Country Dance and other forms of traditional folk dance. The beginner's classes start at Cèilidh level, and gradually add other figures (such as reels of three and setting), as well as some basic footwork, during the first 5-6 weeks of term. This opens up a much wider repertoire of dances.

What is the difference between Scottish Country Dancing (SCD) and Cèilidh Dancing?

Cèilidh Dancing is the entry-level or less formal variant of Scottish Country Dancing typically seen at Weddings, parties and Hogmanay (Scottish New Year).

The basic concept of both Cèilidh and SCD is the same, with very similar music (reels/jigs) and basic formations. However, SCD also incorporates a wider range of formations, a third tempo (strathspey) and some footwork elements. This makes the number of possible dances much greater (>10,000 and counting!).

When should I start dancing?

Our classes are open to complete beginners in September, January and April each year and to those with more experience at any time. The classes get progressively harder (although we recap frequently), so the more classes you can commit to, the better. If you have to miss one or two classes for work or other reasons it isn’t a problem and you can catch up.

You are never too old (or too young) to start. Scottish dancing has a very wide age range, with participants globally ranging from 4-5 years up to people in their 80’s and 90’s! However, RSCDS Manchester Branch are currently unable to accommodate Under-12s. Teenagers should be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the whole class.

Anyone with long-term hip, knee or ankle injuries are advised to consult their GP or Physio. for general advice before starting lessons.

What is the class format?

Classes last 2 hours and include a warm-up, some step and figure practice and approximately 90 minutes of dance-walkthroughs and dancing. There is usually also a 5-10 minute rest-break after the first hour. The objective of each lesson is to learn the figures/formations and footwork, and to practise these in the context of dances. It is not required to remember whole dances for multiple weeks as the dances will be recapped each time. Above all, the aim is to have fun and meet new people.

How big are the classes?

Typical class sizes are between 8 and 24 people. Due to the nature of Scottish dancing as a form of social dance, at least 6 people are needed for a class to go ahead. If there is an odd number of people, some of the more experienced dancers will take it in turns to sit out to give other dancers a chance (and to have a well-deserved rest!) This is perfectly normal for this dance form, so please don’t feel you’ve intruded into a select group. No-one has an established/ permanent dance partner and you are expected to change partners after every dance, so everyone will get to participate.

How Long have you been running these classes?

First founded in 1935, we have been continuously running classes and dances across various venues in South Manchester and are the 2nd-longest running RSCDS branch outside of Scotland. We celebrated our 90th birthday as a group in 2025 with a special social dance and a reunion tea-party. We also launched a new book of Scottish Country Dances devised by current and former members, and accompanying CD. We hope you will join us in our 91st year and discover an amazing hobby you do for many years to come.

How quickly will I progress? Are there any festivals, displays or competitions I can enter?

Anyone who has been dancing less than a year is considered a beginner. Those who have been dancing 1-2 years can be considered to have reached "improver/ intermediate" level. After which, progression to advanced level is at an individual's own pace, dependent on age, ability and enthusiasm. The majority of dancers do so for pleasure and the social aspect, however Adult Dance Achievement Awards (DAA) Certificates and Teaching Certificate Qualifications are available through the Headquarters of the RSCDS. Please speak to your teacher for advice if you wish to take one of these certificates - these are not held locally.

RSCDS Manchester branch from time to time run stalls or displays of Scottish Country Dancing at local fetes and fairs as part of our outreach. All branch members and class participants are encouraged to help out at these events, either by helping to run the stall or dancing in the display team.

The RSCDS Leeds branch runs the "White Rose Festival" - a day of "en-mass" dancing each July. All Improver/Intermediate and above dancers are invited to participate, either by submitting a full team or by asking to join the Leeds teams. Note that this is not a competition and dancers are not marked or graded for their performance. Please see the RSCDS Leeds Branch Website for further details.

Our Comittee and Teachers

RSCDS Manchester Branch is organized, run and taught by volunteers. The committee is elected each May at our AGM by Branch members.

The 2026 - 2027 Committee is as follows:

• Chairman: Barbara
• Vice-Presidents: Joan and Val
• Secretary / Membership Secretary: Rob
• Treasurer: Dave
• Advertising and Media: Heather
• General Comittee Members: Carol, Ishbel & Janice.

The Tuesday class teacher is: Heather.

The Wednesday Class teachers are: Dave and Barbara.

The Tuesday Class musicians are: Ishbel (Violin), Steve (Tin Whistle), Ken (Guitarist).

If you want to help out on the committee, or play for our classes/dances please let us know either in class or by email.

Class Fees and RSCDS Membership

Distance learning & Further Reading

This section of the website hosts some useful guides for various aspects of SCD which are not easy to teach in class. These guides are intended for the enthusiastic dancer of any level who wishes to self-study. Please click on the titles below to download.

Anyone wishing to contribute material, suggest topics or submit a correction, please let us know either on our facebook page or via email.

"At-Home" Practical Exercises

A selection of strengthening and dance-related exercise movements which can be done at home.

• Basic Strengthening and Foot Position Exercises
• Beginner's Guide: Jig, Reel or Strathspey? A guide for the Non-Musician.

"How To" Guides

A selection of dance-related generic guidance for home-reading.

• Beginner's Guide: How_To_Choose_And_Maintain_Shoes
• Beginner's Guide: How to "Cast" and different types of "Casting"
• Beginner's Guide: How to Find Your Corners (A Guide to Set Notation)
• Beginner's Guide: How To Read Dance Cribs

Testimonials and Feedback

Want to give feedback on our recent taster sessions? please email us . Read on for some of our recent testemonials from our Taster sessions and classes.