Club launches new beginners’class
As autumn tightens its grip and the nights start to draw in, the Ericht Scottish Country Dance Club is getting ready for another season.
This year, as well as their usual weekly class, the club is starting a new beginners’ class in a bid to encourage more people to get involved.
And participants in the beginners’ class will also be able to join in the first part of the usual class, which will incorporate easier dances to accommodate beginners and improvers.
The club meets in Blairgowrie Town Hall every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm from October to March.
Dancers have been taught by Carol Bisset for a number of years now and earlier this year she suggested running a beginners’ class as well from 7.10pm to 7.30pm.
A spokesperson for the club explained the thinking behind the new class.
She said: “This is one of the biggest dance clubs in Perthshire with around 40 members as well as others coming along from time to time.
“Carol will be teaching steps and formations to prepare dancers for the class and build up their confidence.
“And some of the club members will also be at the new class to assist the teacher.”
The health benefits of Scottish country dancing were also highlighted.
The spokesperson said: “Scottish country dancing is good both physically and mentally for people, keeping us active and socially connected.
“No one goes away from the class without a smile on their face. Scottish country dancing releases endorphines, the music is very uplifting and everyone can do it at their own level.
“We are affiliated with the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society and there are lots of dancing opportunities across Perth and Kinross, across Scotland and even throughout the world, which people can go to if they wish.”
Teacher Carol added: “Scottish country dancing has been rated as the best exercise for women over 60 in a study by the University of Stirling because of the mental stimulation and the companionship it offers.
“You can come here on your own. You don’t need a partner as you will meet lots of people here.
“This is a very supportive group. We would love to have people with little or no experience of Scottish country dancing to come and try it.”
The club also has good links with the young Happy Feet dancers based at Blairgowrie Community Campus and taught by Tracey Thom.
The spokesperson said: “The children join the Ericht dancers on two evenings in the season which gives them an opportunity to learn and dance with us.
“We are keen to get them involved and continue a piece of our culture that gives people so much enjoyment and friendships all over the world.
“The children are the future of the club.”
Classes resume on Tuesday, October 3.
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to come along. Soft shoes are required.
It is £3 per night or £22.50 for a term of around 11 or 12 weeks. Terms run from October to Christmas and then January to March.
Leaflets detailing further information on the classes are available throughout the town.