A PIECE OF SCOTTISH HERITAGE IN BROADSTONE

A cultural activity which has been taking place in Broadstone for the past 18 years, is traditional Scottish Country Dancing.

Every Tuesday and Thursday in St. John’s Church Hall, Macaulay Road, youngsters aged from 5 to 23 years from the Broadstone and Wimborne areas, learn how to perform this very historic activity.

The steps and some of the dances date back to the 16th Century, but more modern ones with new formations are also learnt.

The rhythms used are Scottish Reels and Jigs and in the middle of the 18th Century, the Strathspey, with its characteristic dotted rhythm was introduced. This is much slower, a challenge for musicians to play, and is unique to Scotland.

All the youngsters are members of the worldwide “Royal Scottish Country Dance Society”, HQ in Edinburgh, and are taught by Marilyn Watson, a fully qualified teacher of this Society.

The title “Royal” was conferred upon the Society by King George VI in 1951 and even today, our Queen and members of her family (particularly the late Queen Mother) enjoy this wonderful form of dance.

There are now approximately 20,000 members all over the world which transcend age, class and culture, testifying to the pleasure and enjoyment which the Scottish Country Dances bestow on those who participate in it.

Broadstone villages should be proud that such an important British culture is being pursued locally. Why not introduce your offspring to it?!!

Margaret Robson, Secretary

Archive Summer 2004 | next

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