By Samuel Roberts
From ’80s moves and grooves at Barrymore’s to bumping and grinding at The Bulldog, it would seem that Centretown has most dancing styles covered.
But the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa, Centretown’s very own traditional Scottish country dancing group, are encouraging local residents to try something a little different as their new season of dance classes start at Glashan Intermediate School.
Whether an experienced Scottish dancer or a complete beginner, the classes are open to all, explains Chairman Greg Morrow. “The group is open to anybody who likes Celtic music and who likes to dance, and is interested in different figures and formations. Just anybody who wants to give it a try.” [
Any new members of the group will quickly be exposed to the wide world of Scottish dancing. “There are well over a thousand dances that you can do once you’ve got some expertise and the basics,” says Morrow.
The three basic types of Scottish country dancing are jigs, reels, and strathspeys.
“Jigs are fast, the reels are faster than the jigs, whilst the strathspeys are a slower step,” says Morrow. “These will get you dancing anywhere in the world, and are set for about 80 per cent of the dances.”
The Ardbrae Dancers, who are now in their 42nd year, are attracting dancers both young and old. Twenty-one-year-old Emily Gerrie, a dance instructor with the group, wants more people of her own age to get involved.
“I think it’s a lot a fun, I love it every time I come out,” says Gerrie.
Although she understands that it may be daunting for younger people to come and dance with older dancers, she says people should look past their misconceptions.
“The people are fantastic, and everyone really enjoys dancing and the music is great too. If people have any interest in Scottish culture or Celtic music they should really come out and give it a try.”
Gerrie also thinks that the classes are an excellent alternative to more traditional forms of exercise.
“It’s a lot more fun than going out jogging or something,” she says.
Brian Beaven, who lives on Florence Street in Centretown, has danced with the group for several years and says that his main reason for joining the Ardbrae Dancers was the excellent social atmosphere.
“I live in Ottawa for economic reasons, because of a job up here, and I don’t have a regular family life as my family live in London.” Beaven likes meeting people after work that he can have a good time with.
“This group is lovely because you get a wonderful social environment. It’s just very pleasant,” he says.
The group holds social events each month for dancers to try out the techniques they have learnt in class, and each January it holds a formal ball which also attracts dancers from other societies and features a live Celtic band.
Dance classes take place on Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Glashan Intermediate School’s gym, and those interested in joining are entitled to a free trial session.
A year’s membership with the Ardbrae Dancers costs $80 and $45 for students.
More information is available at their website www.flora.org/ardbrae/.