Social dancing used to be the peak way to spend an evening out of the house, and though new technology beckons folks to stay in these days, the Moose Jaw Scottish Country Dancing group is still meeting up once a week for that sweet social time.
The group has been operating in Moose Jaw since 1978 and will be picking back up again on Sept. 12 with their weekly meetups. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., dancers gather at the Moose Jaw Public Library to spend the evening dancing together.
The Scottish country dance is very similar in structure to square dancing — in that dancers take a handful of universal steps and dance together as a group in a pattern.
The difference between the two is that square dancers take oral cues from a caller, directing them on-the-go. Scottish country dancers have no caller and instead learn precise patterns that are unique to the Scottish style.
Scottish country dancing can accommodate anywhere between three and seven couples on the floor at a time. It was popularized in the Highlands in the 18th century and features patterns such as The Starry Eyed Lassie and the Shiftin' Bobbins.
Instructor Mike Blanchard has been a part of the group since the beginning, and he finds that the evening of dance is a great way to try something new and be social.
“It's meant to have fun, so we laugh at our mistakes and keep going,” said Blanchard. “It's fun, energetic and good for the mind, and you get to meet people.”
The group takes membership, but those interested in giving it a try are welcome to stop in at any one of their meetings to see if Scottish country dancing fits their fancy.
Dancers don't need to bring a partner and while Blanchard recommends wearing soft-soled shoes or slippers, there is no dress code. There is also no experience required — the group is happy to teach the core steps to beginners.
Blanchard revealed that the group, which is part of the Saskatchewan branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, will also have a new instructor joining him this year — Heather Berriault from Regina.
More information about the RSCDS in Saskatchewan is available on their website, as well as their contact information. The Moose Jaw group meets every Thursday from Sept. 12 until May 28.
