Summer School at St. Andrews Sara Baker (Milton Keynes Branch) was awarded a Derek Haynes Scholarship and attended Summer School in St. Andrews for the first time this year. Here she describes the experience.
David and Cathie Queen dancing at the ceilidh. As soon as I arrived at Summer School I knew that I was in for a fantastic week. There was a very friendly atmosphere from the start which helped me to settle in straight away. At the reception for first-timers we were introduced to our dance teachers and we spent the evening getting to know one another and doing some of the dances from A Guide to Scottish Country Dancing.
(Photo by Gordon Porter).
When classes began the following morning I felt totally relaxed. The venue – the Old Union Diner – was perfect for dancing and we had two superb teachers, John Wilkinson and David Queen, accompanied by two fantastic musicians, Sue Bollans and Luke Brady. The class was packed full of steps, formations and challenging dances, and we all sang along to the well-known tunes
Margo Priestley, RSCDS Schools Director, takes a couple of glasses to make sure an 80th anniversary garden party goes with a swing. (Photo by Jean Martin). played for the warm ups and cool downs. On Wednesday there was a garden party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Summer School which I really enjoyed; the weather was glorious and lots of fabulous music was played. In the evening we were entertained at the ceilidh with music, dancing and singing. It was my first time watching a ceilidh and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The big social dance at the Younger Hall was held the following evening and it was excellent. I recommend any one who has not been to Summer School to apply for a scholarship, because it is a fabulous experience. I learnt so much and I believe I have become a better dancer. I cannot wait to get back to my branch and show everyone how much I have improved.
Robert Mackay and Maureen Haynes, two of the 'superb teachers and fantastic musicians' at Summer School. (Photo by Stephen Webb).
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I would like to express my thanks to all the friendly people who helped to make my week in St. Andrews so memorable. I have made so many new friends and I cannot wait to see them all next year.
