Members of the Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society gleaned tips from an expert during recent daytime workshops, then put those into practice at the society’s annual ball that night.
The group brought teachers Fred Demarse from San Francisco, Katherine Shearman from Vancouver and Hazel MacDonald from Nanaimo into town to give three levels of workshops April 7 at the James Bay Athletic Association and James Bay Community Centre.
Dancers then changed into their finery and 75 of them attended the gala ball at the Ambrosia Event Centre in Victoria, where the Tartan Players band from Vancouver provided the music.
While their big event of the season is now in the books, the Van Isle dancers – a lively group numbering over 130 – continue to fill five classes a week, from basic to advanced skill levels. Newcomers to Scottish Country Dancing, both singles and couples, are always welcomed for the classes, which provide a great way to keep fit and to meet new people in a social setting. Dress casually and wear soft soled shoes.
Spring classes begin this Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. (April 17) and run through May 22 at City Light Church, 550 Obed Ave. A package of six beginner classes is being offered for $36.
The season winds up with a Ceilidh Dance on Saturday May 26. Visit viscds.ca for more information.