top of page

What we do

​

Scottish dancing? That's swirling your partner around in a kilt, right? Well, sometimes - but there are several different types of Scottish dancing, each with their own character. Here's an overview of what we do (and what we don't!).

​

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.

​

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.

​

Scottish (Ladies') Step Dancing

 

Step dancing is another solo (or small-group) dance style that is much more gentle 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 being enjoyed by a growing number of people. While it is sometimes known as "Ladies' Step", it can now be learnt by anyone, regardless of gender, and the Reel Club offers Step classes.

​

What we don't do(!)

 

Ceilidh dancing 

 

Many people will have enjoyed riotous ceilidhs at parties or weddings. Like Scottish country dancing, you dance with a partner in a set. The dances are straightforward, there's no special footwork, and a caller reminds you of the steps of the dance as you go, so no prior experience is needed! Apart from the Freshers' Ceilidh in Michaelmas, the Reel Club does not organise ceilidhs - if you are interested in ceilidh dancing, try The Round (Cambridge's English country dancing society).

​

Reeling

​

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.

​

​

bottom of page