​Week 1: 7 October 2026

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It was great to meet many of you this week and to enjoy the first class of the 2026 Beginners' course. Not everyone could make the first week but hopefully you can get an idea of what was covered from the notes below and we'll be going over it all again, and adding more, in the coming weeks.

 

James took the class, accompanied by Adam on piano, and will teach for the first 4 weeks, then Grace will take over. I will send out a summary of the class each week with links to Scottish dance websites which have further details on some of the terms used.  It's not obligatory to read the links, they are just included in case you find them interesting or helpful.

 

In this first class, James: 

• explained what a set is and where the top and bottom of the set are

• analysed the makeup of a country dance with its four eight-bar phrases including the dancing couple’s solo and the concept of progression.

• taught how to give hands (one and two) and the importance of eye contact and acknowledgement of all dancers in the set during any interaction.

• introduced steps including slip step and skip change and explained how to step up and down in time to the music.

• discussed how  to phrase the different movements (figures) and the importance of finishing with the music and dropping hands in any figure in time to finish on the side lines.

 

During the class, James covered a number of important figures including 

• Lead down and back (right hands joined)

• Dance down and back (near hands joined)

• Slip down and back (both hands joined)

• Hands across and back (Right hands across,/Left hands across break in time to change hands and regain the sidelines)

• Cast

• Step up

• Circle (seven steps and then close on eight)

• Lead down and back and cast

• Turn right hand / left hand (RH/LH)

 

The class used these movements in the dances listed below.  Next week, we will revise the work already covered and take a look at some new dances too.

 

Beginners: James Fairbairn

 

Charlestown Chaser 4/4L · J32 See: Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances

Leap Year  2/4L · J24 Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances 

The Honeymoon 3/4L · R32 Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances

Virginia Reel 4/4L · R40 Unknown; A guide to Scottish Country Dancing

 

• Course structure: this is an 8 week course with a couple of extras. It runs for 3 weeks, then we have the half term break during which you are invited to the Autumn Wednesday dance. After the break there are 5 more classes and then on 9 December a final end of term joint class with the Intermediate class (who dance upstairs ats the same time each Wednesday. In January, we run an 8 week Improvers course for anyone who wants to continue learning.

  • Autumn Wednesday dance: The course fee includes entrance to the mid term Autumn Wednesday dance on 28 October (designed for less experienced dancers and attended by lots of more experienced dancers who come to support people like you in enjoying their first dance). Its usually a lot of fun.

  • Course fees:  these can be paid via this link https://rscds-london-branch.sumupstore.com/product/euston-beginners-course-8-weeks

• Shoes: some of you were asking about shoes. Any soft shoes are great to begin with but if/when you want to look at dance shoes, you can check the bottom of this page https://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/euston-new-dancers/2026-beginners-resources which has information about different types of shoes and suppliers (or email classes@rscdslondon.org.uk if you have specific query). 

• Reference: I will paste notes from each class onto the class page to have an easy to view summary of what has been covered during the course.

 

I think that's it for now. Many thanks to James, to Adam and to all the dancers for their concentration, hard work and good company.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again next week!

 

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