Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend Atlanta Branch events and classes?
Yes, at this time, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required to participate in Atlanta Branch events and classes in order to keep participants safe.
Do I need to bring a partner to class?
No, you do not need to bring a partner – you will dance with many partners during a class or event. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. If you do have a partner bring them along for fitness and fun!
When and where are your classes?
Find a class near you across the Atlanta Metro area on our Dance Classes page, or see our Events page for a listing of classes and social events by date and location. We are also on Meetup!
Do I need to have previous dance experience?
No dance experience necessary!
How much do classes cost?
Class fees vary depend on the location, but all are free for your first class! Generally fees run $4 to $5 for a single class, or the cost per class averages less if that class is offering a package (series of classes).
What should I wear?
For classes, dress comfortably, wearing soft-soled (flexible) shoes such as unblocked ballet slippers, or ghillies (if you have them).
For socials, you will see a wide variety of dress; ladies typically wear a skirt or dress, and kilts for men are definitely encouraged but not required – we want you to show up and dance and have fun!
At major branch events, like our galas and balls, many dancers wear dressier clothes. For balls, ladies may wear a dressy dress or gown (that they can dance in!), and men wear a kilt, if they have one, a tie, and a jacket or a suit. Jackets are usually shed after the first dance.
Do you have a list of core dances?
Yes! Click here to see our current list of core dances for the Atlanta Branch.
What Dance Events are sponsored by the RSCDS Atlanta Branch?
The Atlanta Branch hosts monthly dance Socials that feature a variety of dances for multiple skill levels. Socials generally cost $5 for members or $8 for non members, with one free social annually in June to coincide with our branch Annual General Meeting. Monthly socials are listed on our Events page under Socials.
What other major events does the Atlanta Branch sponsor?
The Atlanta branch sponsors two major events a year:
Scottish Country Dancing at Stone Mountain Highland Games: There are two dances held in conjunction with the Stone Mountain Highland Games on the third weekend of October. A Friday night Welcome Dance and a Saturday night Tartan Ball; both dances are held at the Games host hotel. Dancing on the platform all day Saturday and Sunday during the Games weekend is always a highlight enjoyed by both dancers and spectators who join in the fun.
Spring Workshop: Our annual Spring Workshop is held each spring, and includes a Welcome Dance on Friday evening and workshop sessions on Saturday with a Spring Ball on Saturday evening. Both dances and the workshop sessions feature excellent musicians and sessions, and the workshop teachers broaden our dancing abilities with their unique teaching style. Click here for more details about our Spring Workshop.
Do you offer a scholarship for attending major branch events?
Yes! The Atlanta Branch RSCDS offers scholarships through the Branch Memorial Fund for attending both branch and non-branch events. Click here to find out more information and to submit your application online!
What is the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society?
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, or RSCDS, is a worldwide organization with some 20,000 members. It is administered from the Headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland through a network of 159 branches and around 300+ affiliated groups all over the world. The Society works to preserve old and new Scottish country dances and trains teachers in a rigorous program for certification. In 1923, Jean Milligan and Ysobel Stewart co-founded the Scottish Country Dance Society, resolving to restore the practice of the old social dances of Scotland and with them their music. The title “Royal” was conferred upon the Society in 1951 by King George VI.
How much does RSCDS membership cost?
Membership costs for the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society vary by membership type, such as adult single or joint, young adult, or junior associate. Costs are listed on our Membership application (click here for the form), which you can print and either mail with your payment or bring with you to an upcoming class.
What are the benefits of becoming a member and why should I join?
Becoming a member gives you discounts to branch events, voting rights for our Atlanta branch proceedings, and membership to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. The mission of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is “Growing a vibrant worldwide community of Scottish Dance and Music” and your membership helps support that mission, including sponsorship of local classes and RSCDS teacher candidates. New members also get a New Member Pack, which includes:
- Welcome letter from the RSCDS Chairman
- RSCDS promotional leaflet
- The latest edition of the Scottish Country Dancer (our bi-annual magazine)
- A RSCDS Book – 30 Popular Dances
- SCD & RSCDS history sheet
- An RSCDS pencil