Scene from the Fall Scottish Country Dance party, 2025. Courtesy photo

Scottish country dancing. Courtesy photo

By EILEEN GREEN
Los Alamos

Most people, when they think of Scottish Dancing, envision a solo dancer, dressed in a kilt, performing highly athletic, precision movements to the accompaniment of a bagpipe. That is, of course, a type of Scottish Dancing, known as “Highland Dancing”.

Less well known is Highland’s “social” cousin, known as “Scottish Country Dancing” (SCD), a form of dancing that calls upon small groups of dancers to complete “a set”, typically six to eight dancers, all working together, to create various “formations”.

Upon hearing the phrase “Scottish Country Dancing”, one might think of dances that would have been danced by farmers in less densely populated rural areas, or “the country”, as opposed to dances done, say, in “the city”. But in this case, the word “Country” is really a misnomer: it originates from the Latin word “contra”, meaning “opposite”. The genre got its name from the characteristic organization, often featuring straight lines of men and women facing each other.

Think of period dramas, such as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, or maybe even an episode of “Downton Abbey”, in which you might have watched ballroom scenes of men and women taking their places in lines up and down the ballroom, perhaps lavishly dressed in 17 th or 18 th century costumes. These scenes depict a style of dancing that was based on either English or Scottish Country Dancing.

Although straight lines of four couples form the most common “set” shape, dances can also be organized in circles, squares, triangles, or other geometric figures. The tempo can be fast or slow, accompanied by spirited Celtic music on a variety of instruments such as fiddle, piano, accordion, flute, guitar, cello, drums, and yes, sometimes even bagpipes! At class, we use recordings but are always eager to dance to live music at our dance parties.

Scottish Country Dancing is a living art form, evolving over the years from its historic roots in the 16 th century to modern times, though always with an eye on preserving its historical elements and its social character. New dances are being written every day and in many different countries. That’s because, though the dance style originated in the UK, its popularity has since spread to just about every corner of the earth. You don’t need a kilt, you don’t need a partner, and you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy it!

We are most fortunate in Los Alamos to have SCD classes right here in town!

The Los Alamos Scottish Country Dancers (LASCD) meet for instructional classes Monday nights from 7:30-10:00pm. Our new season begins on Monday, August 3, 2026, with special classes for the new learner, called our “Basics” course: an 8-week-long set of classes specifically designed for those who have either never done any Scottish Country Dancing—or any other type of dancing at all for that matter—or for any adult who wants to brush up their technique in this enjoyable art form.

On Monday August 3, classes will begin at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Hall on Canyon Road, Los Alamos, and in September, will continue throughout the rest of the dance season at Fuller Lodge. This is an adult class, for ages 18 and up.

Soft-soled shoes are best for dancing.

Class prices are affordable, only $20 for an 8-week course!

There are so many benefits for those who enjoy this art form, including the physical, mental, and social benefits, as well as the enjoyment of great music. As the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society puts it: “Scottish Country Dancing is built on connection. With partners changing throughout each dance, you naturally meet and interact with others in a relaxed and friendly way. This creates opportunities for conversation, laughter and shared achievement. Over time, these connections grow into strong friendships, often extending beyond the dance floor into a wider social community.”

Take a look at this link for the benefits of Scottish country dancing, downloaded on July 19, 2026

Looking forward to meeting YOU on the dance floor!

Dates & Times:

Mondays, starting 7:30-8:45 p.m., Aug. 3, for “The Basics”. Classes from 9–10 p.m. are available for experienced Scottish Country Dancers.

Locations:

August: Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Parish Hall, Los Alamos September and throughout the rest of the season: Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos For more information, please contact:

Eileen 505.695.5507 by phone or text.