Centenary of Dundee Branch

Celebrations to mark the Centenary of Dundee Branch of the RSCDS continued with the popular Half-Day School followed by a Reception and Centenary dance in the spacious assembly hall of Morgan Academy in March.

The afternoon class was taught and thoroughly entertained by the immediate past Chair of the Society, the irrepressible William Williamson. Somehow, he managed to keep 65 dancers under control and teach dances ranging from La Tempete from Book 2 to The Publisher, a 3-couple strathspey in honour of Michael Diack, and recently published in the book ‘The Diack Dances’. Michael Diack was instrumental in the foundation of the RSCDS and published the first RSCDS dance books. Participants particularly enjoyed the half time break which featured a wide and appetising range of cakes baked by many Branch members. 

William was ably supported throughout the afternoon by music from Jim Lindsay. Amongst the participants enjoying the class was RSCDS Chair Gary Coull, the Chair-Elect, Sebastian Wanless with his wife Tamara, Society Treasurer Lizzy Conder, and Youth Services Convenor, Linda Williamson. 

After a break for picnics or fish suppers and a rest, a celebratory Reception was held for all dancers. Gary Coull gave a speech highlighting the contribution of Dundee Branch to the Society as a whole. There was then a demonstration by six Branch members of a new dance, the Dundee Centenary Strathspey. This was the winning entry in a Branch competition to devise a dance to commemorate the Centenary. The 3-couple strathspey was devised by Dundee Branch member, Sue James, and celebrates the 3 J’s for which Dundee is famous, Jute, Jam and Journalism. 

Gary then joined the assembled company on the dance floor to enjoy a delightful programme devised and recapped by Dundee member, Margaret Harley. The programme was an excellent mix of old and newer dances and featured some with a Dundee connection. William recapped the two teacher’s choice dances, which tested the short term memories of the class participants. Fantastic music was provided by a 4-piece band led by the inimitable Jim Lindsay ably supported by Gillian Stevenson on fiddle, Graham Berry on keyboards and Malcolm Ross on drums.

The whole day was deemed a great success thanks to the hard work of the Dundee Branch committee but also to the positive cheery approach of the many participants from across the country. We look forward to welcoming you all again next year.