Try Out Scottish Country Dancing in Ottawa

By Jen Hill

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

Have you ever watched Scottish country dancing and thought it looked like fun, but also wondered whether you would have the faintest idea what you were doing?

You would not be alone.

Scottish country dancing is a social form of dance done in group formations, known as “sets”. The most frequent arrangement is a “longwise set”, where four couples stand in two parallel lines facing their partners. Sets can also be shaped as squares or circles, with dancers moving through a series of patterns and figures to traditional Scottish music such as reels, jigs and strathspeys.

Beginners are very much welcome - don't be intimidated by experienced dancers who can make it look beautifully effortless. We all begin somewhere!

Fun, Fitness and Friendship are Calling

Here in Ottawa, the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has more than 100 dancers and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. And no, you do not have to be Scottish! The branch describes Scottish country dancing with three appealing words: Fun, Fitness and Friendship!

Weekly classes run from September through May, with teachers providing instruction for dancers at different levels. Newcomers can join the beginner class and, perhaps best of all, if you are simply curious, the first three classes are free.

The branch began its 2026 to 2027 season with a “Welcome Dance” on September 8 at Parkdale United Church. While that event kicks off the new dancing year, beginners do not have to appear on opening night or arrive already knowing the steps. The Ottawa branch welcomes newcomers to its beginner classes throughout the season.

Scottish country dancing is also more than simply learning where to put your feet. It is a wonderfully social tradition. Dancers change partners and places within the set, so cooperation and a sense of community are built right into the dancing.

The Ottawa Branch Marks 60 years of Dancing

Over the years, Ottawa dancers have taken Scottish country dancing well beyond the classroom. Branch members have performed at Scottish and Celtic events around the capital, including Tartan Day on Parliament Hill, the Great Canadian Kilt Skate and Ottawa Celtic celebrations.

In 2022, dancers even took Scottish country dancing onto Sparks Street as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Maybe this is the Year?

So, if you have ever been tempted to try Scottish country dancing, perhaps this is the year.

You do not need Scottish ancestry. You do not need to arrive with a partner. And you certainly do not need to know your strathspey from your reel before walking through the door.

You just need to be willing to give it a go.

Sixty years of Scottish country dancing in Ottawa suggests that quite a few people have done exactly that!

More information here.