Scottish Country Dancing has been a staple in my family for something close to a decade ever since my mother attended a Winter Carnival event out of curiosity. She hasn’t stopped since, heading out to the weekly dancing sessions at the Anglican Church.

My mother has tried to convince me to attend many times with no luck, until last Thursday I descended the stairs of the Anglican Church on Main Street with my lovely dance partner miss Rachael Joffred, fully intending to push past my dance handicap and have a time with some Scottish Dancers.

Not only did Rachael and I have a time, we had a great time and can’t wait to go back!

The first thing that surprised me at Scottish Country Dancing was how much it knocked me out! I figured that with her dance experience, Rachael would school me with the choreography and movement, but by the second song we were both kicking off our shoes and rolling up our sleeves. Everyone was very patient with us (even me and my two left feet) while the more experienced dancers calmly guided everyone through each dance step by step.

We then put it all together with traditional Scottish music and let the sparks fly. There was plenty of laughter and lots of smiles the entire evening. Clapping and whooping were not just jubilant expressions of joy, but also required parts of the dances! The energy was infectious, and it was hard to be frustrated when I missed a step because I was having so much fun!

I don’t think I’ve ever been to an event where older members were so delighted to have new visitors, but at the beginning of the night everyone was called into a circle for some general announcements concerning upcoming events, and we were personally introduced and welcomed! Everyone was incredibly friendly and easy to chat with throughout the night.

Mother Butt is the lady in red.

The dances were simple and easy to keep track of after a few tries. Circle Waltz, Sheena’s Saunter, Friendly Waltz, and then every night there’s a grand finale with the Palais Glide. There’s no training on this one as everyone’s done it, so keep up or at least pretend to! Then as the evening comes to a final close, they play a contemporary waltz tune that those who still have energy can dance to. Rachael and I chose to dance.

It was a lovely evening. The dances were light and fun, and the people even more so. When it comes to an activity in Corner Brook that is appropriate for all ages, I highly recommend Scottish Dancing. Mother informs me they’ve had folks there in their high 80s and low 90s, all the way down to youngin’s like myself and Rachael, and we never felt out of place!

Heartwarming.

You can check out Scottish Country Dancing every Thursday evening at 7:45pm at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall on Main Street. Keep your eyes out for upcoming events (Carnival included) and give it a try. I know for a fact we’ll be going back… and we’re bringing some friends!

That means you, Tom Cochrane.

Ryan David Butt can’t dance but still had a ball. Maybe singing is next…? Comments, questions or concerns can be emailed to rdb@cornerbrooker.com. Have a lovely day!