Submitted by the Bedford Council on Aging
As the lovely sunny days of summer are waning and thoughts begin to turn to back to school and Fall activities, here is a suggestion: Learn Scottish dancing. The Scots have enjoyed this type of folk/social dancing for centuries. The first written records of dances date to the mid-1700s, when itinerant dancing masters “dancies” would go from town to town with their fiddles, to teach the locals the steps and accompany them with their own music. In the last century, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has promoted dancing worldwide, training teachers and supporting music and dance in many countries, where all are welcome from age 8-80 and beyond.
Many of the figures and steps will be familiar, albeit with different names, to any who have seen contra or square dance. However, in addition to Reels and Jigs, Scottish Dancing is unique in having slower tempodances, known as Strathspeys. These are quite elegant and conjure up visions of elegantly dressed ladies in long gowns with their partners in full kilt regalia dancing in castle halls.
The Bedford COA is hosting a class in Scottish dancing for beginners, on Tuesday afternoons from 1-2pm beginning September 12th. All ages are welcome, and don’t worry, you do not have to wear the kilt! Come and see how much fun it can be at this free class. For more information contact the Bedford Council on Aging on 781-275-6825. Words and photos kindly submitted by Heather Day on behalf of the Bedford Council on Aging.
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