What does the RSCDS do?
"Growing a vibrant worldwide community of Scottish Dance and Music"
Inspired by this mission statement, we promote and develop Scottish Country Dance (SCD) and related dance forms as inclusive, exciting activities that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere.
We deliver our mission to today’s generation by running activities and annual events in the UK and further afield, all with a focus on Scottish Country Dance: Summer School, the AGM & Conference Weekend, Winter School, Spring Fling and various one-off workshops and virtual initiatives.
We’re international
With an extensive network of RSCDS Branches and Affiliated Groups already working at local level to organise and deliver SCD courses, ceilidhs and workshops in their communities, we are able to reach huge numbers of dancers around the world.
RSCDS members, Branches and Affiliated Groups receive our bi-annual Scottish Country Dancer magazine – we use this format to champion achievements, showcase events and most importantly, publish the views and opinions of our diverse Membership. We publicise what is happening globally with the aim of bringing the Scottish Country Dance community closer together.
Future generations
We are passionate about education. By publishing dance books and recording music specifically designed for learning Scottish Country Dance we are developing a strong legacy for the future.
The RSCDS maintains and develops first rate standards of teaching Scottish Country Dance and music by training teachers, providing bespoke teaching materials and offering continuing development training for educators in the wider community. There are also opportunities available for musicians and dancers to take part in music courses, medal tests for young people and dancing achievement awards. Many of our members and teachers go on to work in schools and in the wider community.
We try to open doors for young people, whether that is through offers of scholarships to our annual events, assistance with voluntary work or the provision of youth-based competitions and initiatives.
Preserving our heritage
Including original manuscripts and high quality facsimiles, the RSCDS Archive contains some of the most important publications on SCD, its history, practice and music. We collect dance descriptions and recorded dance music from sources worldwide. Recordings include 78 RPM records, vinyl, cassettes and CDs, and our documents range from minute books to personal letters between our co-founders - all linked by Scottish Country Dance.
How it’s done
Our professional staff team are based in the RSCDS Office at 12 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh and work on everything from implementing the overall strategy of the charity to the successful delivery of the intensive four-week Summer School in St Andrews. They work in partnership with a board of trustees and three committees who come from a variety of backgrounds, all working voluntarily. You can find out more about the structure of the RSCDS by visiting the RSCDS Office page under governance.
Come with us and let’s 'Dance Scottish'.
