The World of Scottish Country Dancing
Is this the largest ever demonstration of Scottish Country Dancing? The photograph was taken at the European Cup Final at Hampden Park, Glasgow in May 1960. Attendance at the match was officially 127,621 but folklore has it that attendance was nearer 134,000! The final was between Real Madrid of Spain and Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany - Madrid won 7 3. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest football matches ever played. It is believed that some people went to watch a football match but photographs taken at the time show there were at least three, probably four teams of Scottish country dancers dancing to a pipe band and whose footwork was surely equal to the likes of Di Stefano and Puskas who merely scored Madrid’s goals! The first woman in this picture is Winnie Urquhart. (Thanks to Patrick Murray of Glasgow Branch who sent in photographs taken at the event). Kris and Mike McGinnis, long-time members of Los Angeles Branch showing the joy of Scottish country dancing. Kris has been on the Branch management committee for several years and Mike is the sound engineer for the branch and other southern California branches at live music events.
Some of the 66 children who enjoy Scottish country dancing at Queen Victoria School in Toronto. See From around the World, p.22
When Sandra Crosby advertised Non-Competitive Scottish Dance Classes in 1980 she worried that no one would turn up. In fact thirty-six prospective young dancers were waiting for her and since then the Inverglen Scottish Dancers, based in Vancouver B.C. has grown in numbers and reputation. Before long they were invited to take part in festivals in Washington, at Expo ’86 in Vancouver and overseas in Scotland, at the White Rose Festival in York, the Assembly Halls in Doncaster, travelled to Perth, Australia and danced at the Beltaine Festival in Spain. Dancers at Duns & District annual May Weekend when over 50 local members were joined by more than 100 visitors from all over the UK. Once again, it was a great success with visitors planning to return again next year.
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www.rscds.org
Sandra stresses that Scottish dancing is more than performing on the big stage. It teaches poise, encourages self-confidence, responsibility and commitment and is something the students will enjoy all their lives, wherever they travel (Chris Herbert). See www.inverglenscottishdancers.com
