Summer School 2022

For dancers who have little or no experience of Scottish Country Dancing. The course will teach and consolidate steps and core formations.

For dancers who have limited footwork, technique and teamwork, and wish to improve on their technique, formations and their own ability.

For dancers who are more experienced, have a good standard of footwork and technique with good phrasing and teamwork, who wish to improve on their dancing and knowledge.

For dancers who have danced and/or taught for many years but can no longer sustain a high level of stamina. Short discussion may also be part of this course.

For dancers who are at the highest quality in dance with excellent footwork, technique, handing, posture, style and grace and can sustain a high level of energy.

For those who have passed the RSCDS Teaching Certificate

Units 2 and 3 of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate. This course will take place over weeks 1 and 2, with the examinations taking place at the end of week 2.

PLEASE NOTE - this class is now full. Contact info@rscds.org if you wish to be added to the Waiting List.

This course will take place over weeks 2 and 3, with the exam taking place at the end of week 3.

This course is designed to help musicians who have an interest in playing for SCD classes.

For children aged 8 to 11 years to learn Scottish Country Dancing along with play, games and crafts.

Please visit here to view info on previous Junior Summer School events.

For dancers aged 12 to 15 years who wish to learn and improve on their Scottish Country Dancing skills and come to meet and make new friends.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is under no obligation whatsoever in respect of any personal injury which you may sustain and you agree to conform to any rules or regulations which may be made from time to time and which govern your visit to Summer School.

Bookings will be accepted on the basis that this is a practical dancing course and your physical fitness should allow you to participate fully in both morning classes for all six days.

You may attend for one week or for a maximum of any two weeks. We hope that each week will offer something special but, if you choose to attend for two weeks there may be some duplication in content and staffing.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered to be Non-Resident. 

Non-Residents have the opportunity to attend all classes and social events, having booked the accommodation of their choice. The Tourist Information Centre (01334 472021) can provide information on alternative accommodation in the town.

Young dancers aged 8 - 15 years can only attend in Week 2 and they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

There are discounts available as indicated for members of the RSCDS and for full-time students under the age of 25. 

If you have any questions please contact the Events Manager, Moira Thomson:  moira.thomson@rscds.org 

Refunds

Every effort will be made to provide refunds up to 31st March 2022. Refunds will not be made for cancellations after this date. All refunds will be subject to an administrative charge of £80 per person. Attendees are strongly advised to have suitable insurance to cover any loss of fees in the event of illness, injury or other unavoidable circumstance.

Cancellation Policy

If, due to circumstances outside our control, we are required to cancel the Summer School event then we will inform all attendees and a full refund will be provided. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society shall assume no liability for any losses resulting from individual pre-booked travel. Please check your personal travel insurance policy.

Insurance

Attendees are strongly advised to have suitable insurance to cover any loss of fees in the event of illness, injury or other unavoidable circumstance.

Covid Precautions

Please do NOT attend if you have received a positive Covid test result or have been instructed by the NHS to self-isolate in the week prior to Summer School. If this occurs then a full refund for any purchased event ticket(s) will be provided, on receipt of proof, by emailing info@rscds.org.

All Covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away so please use 'Covid sense' to help protect yourself and others

Whilst vaccination is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory for this event. Hand sanitisers will be made available at all dancing venues.

Click the link to read more Scottish Government Covid Guidance

Photography & filming

Please note that filming/photography will take place during Summer School for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings may appear on our website, social media platforms or other publications.  If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed then please inform the Marketing Officer, Lyndsay Walker (lyndsay.walker@rscds.org) or photographer on the day.

Summer School registration opens at 4pm every Sunday during the event period. Room keys can be picked up from the desk in the foyer of University Hall. Attendees arriving early are welcome to leave their bags.

Attendees staying in Agnes Blackadder Hall can check in at this building from 3pm onwards, then make their way to University Hall to register at the RSCDS office.

When departing please ensure that your room is cleared by 10am. Luggage may be left in the Music Room in the Lumsden wing until departure time. Please return you key to the University Manager’s office.

Attendees can opt to stay in either University Hall or Agnes Blackadder, both of which are located at St. Andrews University.

Summer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. 

Accommodation can also be booked in Agnes Blackadder Hall (formerly New Hall) by adults only. This venue is approximately 15 minutes from University Hall. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. These rooms are compact when used for double occupancy and couples may prefer to have a room each. All rooms have a television. Agnes Blackadder Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where breakfast is served.

The RSCDS Office, pop up shops and most social functions are based in University Hall.

Included in the booking fee is breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the day you depart is also included). All meals are buffet style and dietary restrictions can be observed, so please make sure to let us know in the booking form.

Agnes Blackadder residents: please note that other than breakfast all meals will be eaten at University Hall in the Dining Hall. 

All university bedrooms are serviced daily and are provided with towels, and of course, bedlinen. Coffee/tea-making facilities are available in nearby well equipped kitchens.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered Non-Resident.

Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.

WiFi access

There is free WIFI access throughout University Hall and Agnes Blackadder Hall.

Laundry

Facilities available include washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers operate by card which may be purchased from the machine outside the dining room.

Thank you for your interest - please note that scholarship applications for Summer School 2022 are currently closed.

However, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Alastair Aitkenhead Scholarship (young dancers, including non-members, aged 12-16) for Week 2 of Summer School 2022 then please contact info@rscds.org 

There is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is held in University Hall and/or elsewhere. The programmes and crib sheets will be available on this web page before you arrive at St. Andrews. There is also a ceilidh each Friday evening which you may wish to join.

Every Thursday there are public dances in the Younger Hall. Dancer tickets (£12) and Spectator tickets (£6) for these public dances can be obtained through the online booking system, and you are encouraged to book early. On these evenings there is also social dancing in the Common Room at University Hall where an alternative programme of dances will be offered.

In Week 2, parents or guardians must accompany children aged 8 – 15 to the social dances. Only dancers aged 8 years and above may be on the dance floor during social dancing.

Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available from the RSCDS Office in University Hall.

The smooth running of Summer School is successfully achieved through the collaborative efforts of RSCDS Office staff members, the Summer School teachers and musicians, as well as through the volunteer support generously given by attendees. If you wish to help, for example, by assisting at registration or in the pop up shop or by selling raffle tickets, then please select the appropriate box on the online booking form.

It would be very much appreciated if ALL dancers attending Summer School could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations held at the end of Week 2 and Week 3. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition.

Location & venues

The venues for Summer School classes are located in both University Hall and around the town of St. Andrews. After breakfast at University Hall or Agnes Blackadder there is more than enough time to get to your class as the venues are located centrally in town - a maximum walk of approximately 20 minutes.

University Hall: Kennedy Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DL

Agnes Blackadder Hall: North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9XW

Travel Information

If you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. 

If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest although onward travel by train and/or bus is available from Glasgow and Prestwick.

The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel.

Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St. Andrews bus station.

The following website may help with your travel plans:

www.visitstandrews.com

For dancers who have little or no experience of Scottish Country Dancing. The course will teach and consolidate steps and core formations.

For dancers who have limited footwork, technique and teamwork, and wish to improve on their technique, formations and their own ability.

For dancers who are more experienced, have a good standard of footwork and technique with good phrasing and teamwork, who wish to improve on their dancing and knowledge.

For dancers who have danced and/or taught for many years but can no longer sustain a high level of stamina. Short discussion may also be part of this course.

For dancers who are at the highest quality in dance with excellent footwork, technique, handing, posture, style and grace and can sustain a high level of energy.

For those who have passed the RSCDS Teaching Certificate

This course will take place over weeks 2 and 3, with the exam taking place at the end of week 3.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is under no obligation whatsoever in respect of any personal injury which you may sustain and you agree to conform to any rules or regulations which may be made from time to time and which govern your visit to Summer School.

Bookings will be accepted on the basis that this is a practical dancing course and your physical fitness should allow you to participate fully in both morning classes for all six days.

You may attend for one week or for a maximum of any two weeks. We hope that each week will offer something special but, if you choose to attend for two weeks there may be some duplication in content and staffing.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered to be Non-Resident. 

Non-Residents have the opportunity to attend all classes and social events, having booked the accommodation of their choice. The Tourist Information Centre (01334 472021) can provide information on alternative accommodation in the town.

Young dancers aged 8 - 15 years can only attend in Week 2 and they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

There are discounts available as indicated for members of the RSCDS and for full-time students under the age of 25. 

If you have any questions please contact the Events Manager,  Moira Thomson:  moira.thomson@rscds.org  

Refunds

Every effort will be made to provide refunds up to 31st March 2022. Refunds will not be made for cancellations after this date. All refunds will be subject to an administrative charge of £80 per person. Attendees are strongly advised to have suitable insurance to cover any loss of fees in the event of illness, injury or other unavoidable circumstance.

Cancellation Policy

If, due to circumstances outside our control, we are required to cancel the Summer School event then we will inform all attendees and a full refund will be provided. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society shall assume no liability for any losses resulting from individual pre-booked travel. Please check your personal travel insurance policy.

Insurance

Attendees are strongly advised to have suitable insurance to cover any loss of fees in the event of illness, injury or other unavoidable circumstance.

Covid Precautions

Please do NOT attend if you have received a positive Covid test result or have been instructed by the NHS to self-isolate in the week prior to Summer School. If this occurs then a full refund for any purchased event ticket(s) will be provided, on receipt of proof, by emailing info@rscds.org.

All Covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away so please use 'Covid sense' to help protect yourself and others

Whilst vaccination is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory for this event. Hand sanitisers will be made available at all dancing venues.

Click the link to read more Scottish Government Covid Guidance

Photography & filming

Please note that filming/photography will take place during Summer School for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings may appear on our website, social media platforms or other publications.  If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed then please inform the Marketing Officer, Lyndsay Walker (lyndsay.walker@rscds.org) or photographer on the day.

Summer School registration opens at 4pm every Sunday during the event period. Room keys can be picked up from the desk in the foyer of University Hall. Attendees arriving early are welcome to leave their bags.

Attendees staying in Agnes Blackadder Hall can check in at this building from 3pm onwards, then make their way to University Hall to register at the RSCDS office.

When departing please ensure that your room is cleared by 10am. Luggage may be left in the Music Room in the Lumsden wing until departure time. Please return you key to the University Manager’s office.

Attendees can opt to stay in either University Hall or Agnes Blackadder, both of which are located at St. Andrews University.

Summer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. 

Accommodation can also be booked in Agnes Blackadder Hall (formerly New Hall) by adults only. This venue is approximately 15 minutes from University Hall. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. These rooms are compact when used for double occupancy and couples may prefer to have a room each. All rooms have a television. Agnes Blackadder Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where breakfast is served.

The RSCDS Office, pop up shops and most social functions are based in University Hall.

Included in the booking fee is breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the day you depart is also included). All meals are buffet style and dietary restrictions can be observed, so please make sure to let us know in the booking form.

Agnes Blackadder residents: please note that other than breakfast all meals will be eaten at University Hall in the Dining Hall. 

All university bedrooms are serviced daily and are provided with towels, and of course, bedlinen. Coffee/tea-making facilities are available in nearby well equipped kitchens.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered Non-Resident.

Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.

WiFi access

There is free WIFI access throughout University Hall and Agnes Blackadder Hall.

Laundry

Facilities available include washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers operate by card which may be purchased from the machine outside the dining room.

Thank you for your interest - please note that scholarship applications for Summer School 2022 are currently closed.

However, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Alastair Aitkenhead Scholarship (young dancers, including non-members, aged 12-16) for Week 2 of Summer School 2022 then please contact info@rscds.org 

There is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is held in University Hall and/or elsewhere. The programmes and crib sheets will be available on this web page before you arrive at St. Andrews. There is also a ceilidh each Friday evening which you may wish to join.

Every Thursday there are public dances in the Younger Hall. Dancer tickets (£12) and Spectator tickets (£6) for these public dances can be obtained through the online booking system, and you are encouraged to book early. On these evenings there is also social dancing in the Common Room at University Hall where an alternative programme of dances will be offered.

In Week 2, parents or guardians must accompany children aged 8 – 15 to the social dances. Only dancers aged 8 years and above may be on the dance floor during social dancing.

Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available from the RSCDS Office in University Hall.

The smooth running of Summer School is successfully achieved through the collaborative efforts of RSCDS Office staff members, the Summer School teachers and musicians, as well as through the volunteer support generously given by attendees. If you wish to help, for example, by assisting at registration or in the pop up shop or by selling raffle tickets, then please select the appropriate box on the online booking form.

It would be very much appreciated if ALL dancers attending Summer School could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations held at the end of Week 2 and Week 3. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition.

Location & venues

The venues for Summer School classes are located in both University Hall and around the town of St. Andrews. After breakfast at University Hall or Agnes Blackadder there is more than enough time to get to your class as the venues are located centrally in town - a maximum walk of approximately 20 minutes.

University Hall: Kennedy Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DL

Agnes Blackadder Hall: North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9XW

Travel Information

If you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. 

If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest although onward travel by train and/or bus is available from Glasgow and Prestwick.

The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel.

Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St. Andrews bus station.

The following website may help with your travel plans:

www.visitstandrews.com