Isle of Wight SCD Weekend School

On Valentine’s Day 2025 it was grey and bitterly cold in an easterly wind when over 100 people descended on the Shanklin Hotel at the start of their season for the annual Isle of Wight Scottish Country Dancing Weekend School; dancers from France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany as well as from all four home nations.

Teachers Helen Russell, from York & North Humberside Branch of the RSCDS and a past society Chairman, and Andrew Nolan from Edinburgh Branch, were inspiring and challenging, providing clear and excellent instruction during morning classes for the two groups. One of the local attendees said, “I learnt so much” and one of the guests from Hamburg commented, “This group is such fun, and you have made us feel so welcome!”

Many guests attended just for the social dances (or as non-dancers) in order to keep in touch with the friends they’ve made through Scottish Country Dancing over the years. The atmosphere was exhilarating and it was a very successful weekend.

The renowned Craigellachie Scottish Country Dance Band from the south of England played for the two evening dances and provided the musicians for the classes, giving some wonderfully uplifting music. So many people commented what fabulous music it was to dance to.

Don’t miss next year when it will be two different teachers: Raphaelle Orgeret (Lyon) and Eric Finley (North Ayrshire) with the same band! Come and be uplifted by dancing with some enthusiastic younger dancers and dancing to a fabulous band. Save the date in your diary now: 13th-15th Feb 2026. Details will be on the Craigellachie Band website (craigellachie-band.co.uk) nearer the time.

Judy Valvona