Summer School 2023 - The Gift of Joy

The founder of our Derbyshire NE branch (Chris Jones) loved Summer School so much that she had left funds from her will to support dancers to attend Summer School. From this, I attended my first Summer School in 2017, a little over a year after starting to dance, with a place subsided by the kindness of someone I had never met. 

I didn't know anyone going that year, but by the end of that week I had a wedding party invitation and had made connections with people who are now dear friends. Each year I go, the connections broaden, and my dancing improves. The high quality of teaching means I always go away with something to work on and to take back to class. This has led me to reflect that Summer School isn't just an amazingly fun holiday for people, but it enriches branches when these skills, inspiration and connections are taken back home.

It may be a simple observation, but it seems that the society grows, and dancers develop, through the kindness and generosity of people. In our centenary year I have been appreciating members past and present that have brought the joy of dancing to many of us.  So many people give their time generously at St Andrews and in classes around the world, but also in my experience (as a nervous dancer!), a kind word of encouragement or a smile can have also have a significant impact on one's dancing and will be passed onto other dancers. Through the patience of others, I managed to quell my social dancing anxiety enough to dance within the demonstration team this year, which was quite an achievement for me (I hope Chris would have been proud!). It proves what can be achieved through teamwork and proof for new shy dancers that it does get easier!

As we enter the next 100-year phase, I like the idea of 'paying forward' - in my case seeing where the generosity that I have benefitted from can be passed to new dancers. Rather than a mindset of 'what benefits the RSCDS can give me' (as if separate from ourselves), our vibrancy as groups and as a whole society, will come from the perspective of 'how I can contribute to this amazing community'.  This spirit of 'joyful giving' is clearly demonstrated in those four special weeks at St Andrews.

I see kindness and generosity as our secret 'super-power' as Scottish Country dancers and our best marketing tool! It garners new interest in dancing, develops existing dancers and builds connections. Thus, creating an extraordinary resource for wellbeing within our local communities. I do believe that our success will be commensurate with the depth of our kindness and generosity over the next 100 years. 

I would really encourage anyone to go to Summer School. If you have newer dancers in your branch don't be afraid to encourage them to go, as people can benefit at any level, and they are likely to return inspired and more deeply engaged. I've heard people worry that they won't have the stamina, but there are low impact options, and you can pace yourself (and you seem to summon energy from the fun, sea and ice-creams!).

Many thanks to all the teachers, volunteers, musicians and smiley dancers for your skills, support, guidance, and laughter that made Summer School another magical year! In particular, a big shout out to Jim Stott as he steps down as Summer School Director, who has exemplified kindness and generosity (alongside a lot of warm humour and fun!). And of course, thanks to Chris Jones, for her generous legacy of 'paying forward' her joy.

Until next time!

Lucy Fallon (RSCDS Derbyshire North-East branch, UK)