The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

St Andrews summer country dance school gets into full swing

More than 550 dancers are taking part in the four-week Scottish country dance event

- AILEEN ROBERTSON arobertson@thecourier.co.uk

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) summer school is in full swing in St Andrews.

More than 550 dancers from around the world are in the Fife town for the four week-long event.

Summer school director Jim Stott said: “St Andrews is the home of golf but it also has been the home of Scottish country dancing since 1927.

“Summer School at St Andrews is the flagship event for The Royal Scottish Dance Society and there is no doubt that its location in University Hall is a major factor in its continuing success.

“The RSCDS school hosts Scottish country dancers from all over the world.

“We welcome new dancers every year, but also see hundreds of dancers who have been attending Summer School for many years.

“Summer School at St Andrews becomes a habit that is hard to break.

“It is a joyous four weeks of dancing, learning and socialisin­g.”

Dance teacher Rachel Shankland is taking part in the summer school for the second year running.

“I keep my lessons fun and light hearted while keeping up the traditions of our rich Scottish culture,” she said.

“Summer School is about everyone coming together to share their love of Scottish country dancing and that is what is at the core of my classes.”

Among the dancers travelling from far and wide to attend is Raphaelle Orgeret from France.

Raphaelle has been attending the summer school since she was 15 years old.

She added: “I passed my certificat­e in 2008 and was asked to join the teaching staff.

“Very proud to be asked, very stressed too.

“I loved it and I still do. I hope people go home wanting to keep dancing and wishing to come back.”

Summer School is about everyone coming together to share their love of Scottish country dancing. RACHEL SHANKLAND

 ?? Picture: Kris Miller. ?? Maggie Scott and Paul Plummer taking part in the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society at St Andrews.
Picture: Kris Miller. Maggie Scott and Paul Plummer taking part in the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society at St Andrews.

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