More than a highland fling!

IF you’re in the mood to learn a new dancing style, then the Ballarat Scottish Country Dance Group might be the perfect place to start.

Following a recent social event that attracted over 80 people, the group will be holding a six-week introductory program in order to get new dancers onto the floor.

Lessons will start weekly from Monday, 25 April, and dance teacher Heather Ross said it will be good for the group to see some “new blood” among their numbers.

“This is a way of getting people in gradually and for them to progress at their own pace at this sort of dancing,” she said.

“We’d like to see new faces joining us because we think it’s so much fun and there’s a lot to be gained by it.

“It’s purely social dancing. You can’t do it by yourself, but you don’t need to be Scottish, you don’t need to wear a kilt or anything like that.”

Scottish dancing emerged out of the French Court during the 1700s, and is the country’s premier ballroom dance-style performed with Scottish music accompaniment and in group formations similar to line dancing.

The Ballarat group has been operating since 1955, and this will be Ms Ross’s first introductory course with them since their change in leadership three years ago.

Ms Ross joined the group earlier this year, and her long-time friend Hazel Brennan has served as president since its reshuffling, with both having spent years Scottish dancing together in Melbourne.

The group comprises more than 20 people, and Ms Brennan said the communal aspect of the group is the most important part.

“It’s an incredibly friendly environment, and we were welcomed with open arms. Even here in Ballarat, we would go to places like Daylesford and Maryborough, even Melbourne for social gatherings,” she said.

“You get to know so many people, all of us around Victoria meet up often and it’s always a joy. It’s a lot of fun.

“You don’t have to know the steps to begin. You can come and listen to the music and the music will inspire you.?

The Ballarat Scottish Country Dance Group meets every Monday at 7pm at the Ballarat North Community Centre.

Their six-week course will run from Monday, 25 April to Monday, 30 May, and will cost $30 to enrol. For more information, call Ms Ross at 0418 313 060.