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Ciad Mile Failte!

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa Crest

The UnofficialArdbrae Dancers of Ottawa Homepage

Affiliated with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

Information about the group, and some useful links.

This page was the first Ardbrae Homepage, launched in 1997.

The group now has an official page - see the up to date page here: Ardbrae.

Last updated 7 April 2006

Scottish Country Dancing FAQs:

What is it?
It is the Ballroom dancing of Scotland. If you can imagine something similar to square dancing, in the formal style of a French Minuet, to Scottish Jig, Reel and Strathspey music - you've almost got it!
Do I need to be Scottish?
Not at all. Although the dance style originated in the courtly dances of Scotland in the 1700's, it is now danced (and enjoyed!) all over the world.
Do I need a partner?
No! As this is Social dancing, it is customary to change partners for every dance.
What about the swords?
That is Highland dancing. Country dancing is danced in sets, usually of four couples. Each dance contains several formations, and often tells a story.
Ok, I'm interested. How much?
It's very reasonable! We pay only $75 a year, which helps cover the rental of the gyms, and a newsletter. We also have monthly socials (a $4 charge), and an annual Ball - a little more expensive, but worth it!
Where do you meet?
Our beginner and intermediate classes are held Monday nights at Glashan Elementary School, which is right beside the bus station near Bank and the Queensway. We also have a Wednesday Social class at Centennial School, off Nepean near Bronson.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the Webmaster, or come out and try a class!

The ARDBRAE events list:

Please see the new ARDBRAE page for up to date information!

Generally, there is a social the third Saturday of each month, an Annual Ball in January, and a Beginners Ball in April or May.

ARDBRAE Dances

Ardbrae has published a book of dances called: The Hendersons of Ardbrae. Other members have also written dances including: The Wee Bairn's Noo Awa, The Merry Widow, and Teddy Bears' Picnic.

Click on  Dances for more information.

Links to Scottish Dancing and Culture

RSCDS crestThe Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

The  RSCDS is the central authority on Scottish Country Dancing worldwide. The aims of the Society are:

- To preserve and further the practice of traditional Scottish Country Dances;
- To promote and encourage the formation of Branches;
- To provide, or assist in providing, special education or instruction in the practice of Scottish Country Dances;
- To promote/publish by all available means information and music relating to Scottish Country Dancing and in particular to publish, or cause to be published descriptions of Scottish Country Dances with music and diagrams in simple form and at moderate price;
- To collect books, manuscripts, illustrations and other memorabilia relating to Scottish Country Dancing and to the Society; and
- Generally, to do such other things as are or may be considered by the Society to be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects above stated or any of them.
This page is for general information, and includes a FAQ area, history and other details.
There is also a page for  Membersof the Society.

Teacher's Association of Canada

TAC is the Teacher's Association of Canada. While it started in Canada, it has become a world-wide center for expertise in all areas of Scottish Country Dancing. Of particular interest are two special divisions: TACSOUND and TACBOOKS.

TACSOUND makes recorded music available for TAC members as well as other dancers worldwide. The catalogue contains some 20 pages of listings for records, tapes, and CD's from all over the world. Their address is:

TACSOUND
John and Catherine Shaw
PO Box 24152
London, Ontario N6H 5C4
Canada

 
Phone (519) 641-3929, Fax (519) 434-9183, e-mail: tacsound@sympatico.ca
TACBOOKS distributes instructional material to TAC members and other dances worldwide. We are very fortunate at ARDBRAE that John and Shirley Lanktree, who run TACBOOKS, are also two of our teachers! Their catalogue contains some 20 pages of listings for RSCDS and other dance books from around the world. And judging from their storage area, if it's not in the catalogue, they probably have it anyway! Their address is:
TACBOOKS
John and Shirley Lanktree
550 Dickinson Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7J4
Canada

 
Phone (613) 733-1820, e-mail: dz938@freenet.carleton.ca

Canadian Scottish Country Dance Groups on the World Wide Web:

The Strathspey Server

This is the homepage for a worldwide newsgroup devoted to Scottish Country Dancing.
Click  Strathspey to find out more!

Other interesting links.

Live Music! Highlands Internet Radio is a site using RealAudio to broadcast programs of Scottish traditional music, including dance music. Programs include: Rory's Reel, The Ceilidh Croft House, The Traditional Half Hour, and Moira Kerr. They also have an area devoted to Nessie!

TheGrand Chain Scottish Country Dancing Resources Pages. A very detailed listing of Scottish Country Dance groups, dances, music, bands, etc. Probably the most complete source of information about Scottish Country Dancing on the 'net.

Coming soon! The "Ottawa Scot", a page of links to Scottish sites of all kinds in and around Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Contact the webmaster with your favorite URL's now! 

While this homepage was prepared with the knowledge and general support of the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa, it should be considered an "unofficial" homepage. Any comments or complaints should be directed soley to the Webmaster.

Back up to the  Collin Homepage.