Oceanside Scottish Country Dancers will host their annual St. Andrews Day Tea Dance Sunday Nov. 29, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Community Hall in Qualicum Beach.
Lunch will be served at noon and there will be tea and pastries following the dance. The public is invited to join in on the dancing or come to learn what it is all about.
The Oceanside Scottish Country Dancers, originally known as the Nanoose Scottish Country Dancers, formed in September, 1984. Dancing at that time took place at the Nanoose Library, where the group held fundraisers for the library.
They now dance at the Community Hall in Qualicum Beach each Wednesday evening, and classes are attended by dancers from Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Port Alberni.
Many people confuse Scottish Country Dancing with Highland Dancing. However, it is quite different — unlike Highland dancers, country dancers do not jump over swords or do solo performances. More like square dancing, it is performed in a formation and utilizes a dance “caller.” Most dances consist of three or four couples in a set.
Oceanside Scottish Country Dancers meet each week and host classes for beginners as well as for more experienced dancers through their regular Wednesday sessions.
If you would like a form of exercise that keeps your mind active as well as your body, and where you can meet a friendly group of people, Scottish Country Dancing is for you.
For more info, visit www.oceansidescd.net. For information about the Tea Dance or about Scottish Country Dance classes, call Alistair McVey at 250-752-1980.
— Submitted by Alistair McVey