What we do
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Our main focus is Scottish Country dancing, which is a fun and energetic social dance form. We also run classes in both Scottish Highland and Scottish Step dancing, which are solo performance dances.​
An introduction to each of these styles is given below.
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Scottish Country Dancing
This is the Reel Club's main focus. You dance with a partner and with the other members of your "set" (a group of usually 6-8 people). The dances, numbering over 15,000, are characterised by precision, elegant footwork and exuberance and range from the very straightforward to the technically challenging. The Reel Club runs both balls and the classes that will help you prepare for them.
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Highland Dancing
Highland dances are performed solo or occasionally in small groups. In the past, Highland dancing was one way in which men were tested for their strength, stamina and agility. Today's Highland dances retain themes of battles and triumph, but share elements with classical ballet and can be learned by anyone energetic regardless of gender. The Reel Club offers Highland classes.
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Scottish Step Dancing
Step dancing is another solo (or small-group) dance style, and is more gentle in style than Highland. Originally taught by travelling dancing masters ("dancies") to ladies, Step was saved from the brink of extinction in the 1950s and is now enjoyed by a growing number of people. While it has been historically known as "Ladies' Step", it is now be learnt by anyone, regardless of gender, and the Reel Club offers Step classes.
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Related dance styles
Ceilidh dancing
Many people will have enjoyed riotous ceilidhs at parties or weddings, and it is a common way for people to begin Scottish country dancing. The dance styles are similar, and you dance patterns with a partner within a set. Ceilidh dances tend to be more straightforward, have no special footwork, and there is a caller reminding you of the instructions as you go; whereas Scottish country dancing offers more variety and technique for those who relish the challenge! Apart from the Freshers' Ceilidh in Michaelmas, the Reel Club does not organise ceilidhs, although we can arrange to call them. If you are interested in ceilidh dancing, try The Round (Cambridge's English country dancing society) or CU Ceilidh Band (who have a mailing list for people interested in dancing at their public events).
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Reeling
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Like ceilidh dancing, reeling involves dancing with a partner in a set and a great deal of stamping, clapping and twirling! There's no caller and the dances, while limited in number, are more complex, so some practice is required before attending a ball. The Reel Club does not teach reeling - if you are interested, try the Cambridge University Caledonian Society.
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