Fun, fitness and laugher through Scottish dancing

COMMUNITY members interested in trying Scottish country dancing are invited to join weekly classes in Ballarat.

Led by teacher Heather Ross, the Ballarat Scottish Country Dancing Group runs classes every Monday night while University of the Third Age lessons take place on Thursday morning.

Both groups are looking for new members to try the dancing style and no partner is necessary.

Ballarat Scottish Country Dancing Group president Kaye Leckie said with Ms Ross’ guidance, anyone can learn Scottish country dancing.

“We have an outstanding, highly qualified teacher,” Ms Leckie said.

“She doesn’t let us get away with anything, she’s understanding of people who struggle, but she does teach the right way, and we don’t get slack.

“I think that’s really good because we have to keep trying for our brain.”

Participant Graham Gooding said Scottish country dancing is the perfect combination of fun, fitness and music.

“It’s the camaraderie, the people, the joining together, the laughter, the happy music, the exercise, and the mathematics behind the dancing,” he said.

“It does demand a certain amount of thinking and teamwork. If you don’t know where you’re going the person opposite you or your team member can actually guide you.”

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Gooding said the dance style helped him increase his balance and fitness.

“When COVID hit us and we weren’t allowed to communicate through dancing, to a certain extent, I lost my balance,” he said.

“Back in dancing you’re on your toes, you’re moving, you’re working together.

“I found the training for balance was a lot better than going to a gym and doing it within a gym because you’re doing it with other people.”

The Ballarat Scottish Dancing Group operates on Monday nights from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Ballarat North Community Centre.

Participation is free for the first class and then $5 per night. For more information, head to ballaratscd.com

U3A Ballarat’s classes take place on Thursday mornings at the Ballarat North Community Centre.

To get involved with the group, email [email protected]