Different “classes” for different folks, and purposes. . .
These “Level 1” classes are led by RSCDS-accredited teachers. Over a 10-week term you learn steps, formations, and dances that equip you to joyfully participate in exuberant live-music events such as the Family Christmas Dance and the March Beginners’ Night dance.
“Ceilidh” is a Gaelic word for party. Ceilidh dances are simple and fun. Some are fast and furious; some are slow and easy. These are dances done at celebrations and weddings.
No experience is required – you get on-the-spot instruction, then off you go. . . birling, clapping, and heuching (a peculiar Scottish hoot expressive of exuberant fun — the cowboy equivalent would be Ye-haw!).
Ceilidhs can also be about performance: music, song, story-telling, dance demos, games. . . whatever. But usually audience participation dance is a big part of the fun, too.
Intermediate & Advanced Classes
Classes for Levels 2 and 3 help improve your dance skills and learn more elaborate formations. You also learn to “finesse” your dance technique.
It’s also a fun night out with great teachers and new and old friends.
Occasional Sunday afternoon sessions are led by teachers inspired to introduce a special theme — dances by a particular devisor, or different kinds of reels, or. . . whatever our talented and dedicated teachers come up with.
The special classes are typically held at Broadlands Community Centre in Don Mills but they will occasionally be held at other venues.
These will be listed under What’s On Near
There are multiple Social Groups affiliated with the Toronto Association. These clubs are all over town, and dance on different days and evenings. One typically pays at the door to dance. Fees range from $5 to $15, depending on the cost of the venue (rent is the prevailing existential reality!).
Social groups sometime have special events with live music, which naturally costs more
A workshop is a special day set aside for concentrated dance development as taught by star teachers, often from far away.
The Toronto Workshop traditionally held in November, but the event is postponed for now, awaiting a new convener (it is a great volunteering opportunity, the whole community will be grateful!). The workshop is followed by a social dance to put what you learned into practice.
Other workshops, in cities near and far, are weekend affairs, typically ending with a formal ball. These are listed under What’s On Near and Far
The SCD Teachers’ Association of Canada annually holds a week-long summer school. It flits about the continent, year by year: east, west, north, south. In August 2025 it was at beautiful Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Québec.
Summer School at St Andrews, Scotland, is run by RSCDS headquarters for your choice of 4 weeks in July/August every summer, staying in university residences well known to Prince William & Kate.
Winter School in Pitlochry, Scotland
There’s a mid-February Winter School in Pitlochry, with a ball in the fairy-tale splendour of Blair Atholl Castle.
