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Get Set. Dance Scottish!

Ready to take your first steps into Scottish Country Dancing? Wherever you’re starting from—your age, experience, or fitness level—there’s a place for you here.

Find your local branch or group

With over 350 branches and groups worldwide,
it’s easy to find Scottish Country Dancing near you.

Where to start


You might begin at a lively ceilidh or social dance, where you can simply join in, enjoy the music, and learn as you go. If you’d prefer a little more structure, beginner classes and local groups offer friendly guidance, with experienced dancers always on hand to help you feel at ease.

From one-off events to regular classes, there are many ways to get involved. Go at your own pace, find what suits you best, and discover a welcoming community built on music, movement, and shared enjoyment—one step at a time. 

Upcoming Events

What to expect

A small group of people practicing a circle dance indoors, holding hands with arms raised. A person in the center foreground faces away from the camera, while another person wearing glasses and a light top and red patterned skirt faces forward. Large windows and parked cars are visible outside in the background.
At your first class

Your first class is friendly, supportive and relaxed, with simple guidance, welcoming dancers and lots of encouragement—no partner or special clothing needed, just come along.

Two people dancing together indoors, holding hands as part of a group dance. One wears a red and white striped shirt, while the other wears a green dress with a red belt. Other pairs of dancers are visible in the softly blurred background, suggesting a social dance gathering.
At your first dance

Your first dance is welcoming, lively and inclusive, with clear guidance, friendly support and great music—no experience or partner needed, just join in and enjoy.

Why dance Scottish?

Whether you’re stepping onto the floor for the first time or returning to a familiar tune, Scottish Country Dancing offers something truly special. It brings together fun, fitness and friendship—and the benefits reach far beyond the dance itself. 

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Physical health benefits

Scottish Country Dancing is a lively, sociable way to keep moving. It supports heart health, balance and strength while helping you feel energised, confident and physically well. 

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Mental health benefits

With music, movement and shared experience combined, Scottish Country Dancing supports mental wellbeing, reduces stress and keeps the mind active, helping you feel positive, focused and engaged. 

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Social benefits

Scottish Country Dancing brings people together in welcoming spaces where friendships form easily, connections grow naturally, and a real sense of belonging develops.

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Personal growth

Scottish Country Dancing offers opportunities to learn, connect with culture and be part of something bigger, while giving structure, purpose and enjoyment week after week.

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Inclusive and Accessible

Scottish Country Dancing is open, inclusive and easy to join, creating a supportive environment where everyone can take part, work together and feel comfortable from the very first step.

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Moments That Matter

I started dancing in Primary School. There was a teacher that ran a lunchtime club where we did Scottish Country Dancing and a friend invited me along, and from the first one I was like ''Oh, I like this, this is really good!''. We did a competition in my first year and we won, and so I was hooked!

Eilidh Garden, member of Ayr Branch

Two women dancing in elegant dresses and Scottish traditional sashes ad part of the demonstration team Scottish country dance
I started dancing in 1988. A friend of mine took me to a ceilidh organised by a student group in Bonn and it was so fun I stayed with it my whole life.

Wolfgang Kutche, member of Central Germany Branch

I love dancing. I think dancing is good for the soul, it's good for the body, it's good for the brain. I see the joy dancing gives people of all ages and, in fact, brings people of all ages together.

Kirsty Wark, Television Presenter

Television presented Kirsty Wark standing in front of the camera speaking wearing brown and red jumper
I was a shy, quiet little boy until I started playing for the Scottish country dancing and then the whole world opened up. It's the best hobby in the world and the friendship you get by dancing is absolutely amazing.

Frank Thomson, Musician (Accordion)

Join the Community

However you choose to take part, you’ll be joining a welcoming, worldwide community — keeping Scottish country dancing vibrant, shared and enjoyed for generations to come. 

Join Today!

Take your first step and stay connected. Sign up to the Dance Scottish Community for free. It is the perfect way to discover Scottish country dancing and see where it could take you. 

What you enjoy — and discover: 
Become a Member

Step further in and be part of something bigger. As a member, you support your local dancing while unlocking the full RSCDS experience — from exclusive content to events, learning and connections across the globe. 

What you enjoy — and make possible: