About 180 dancers and musicians from throughout Australia and the world will converge on Kiama for a week of classes and dancing during the week of July 3-10.

According to organisers, the Winter School is completely booked out.

However, there will be a ‘Ceilidh’ (pronounced “kay-lee”, a Scottish party) open to the public on Saturday, July 2 at the Kiama Anglican Church Hall.

“We wanted to have an event that would involve the community and give them a chance to see and participate in Scottish country dancing,” Ruth Pike, the Winter School convenor said.

“You don’t need to be Scottish. Just bring a sense of fun.”

Mrs Pike said most dances involved taking a partner and forming a line (or ‘set’) down the length of the hall.

”If you have been to a bush dance or seen movies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, you have seen something similar.

“The men face the ladies and move through a set of ‘figures’, weaving in and out, chasing, turning and moving to the ‘foot’ of the set while a new couple starts the dance.

“There are always experienced dancers on hand to make it easier.”

Mrs Pike said participants are encouraged to dance with a new partner for each dance.

“In the 19th Century an invitation to dance was the only way a young Scotsman could approach a lady,” she said.

“They had a few short minutes to dance, flirt and chat away from their chaperones.

“Scottish country dancing preceded speed dating by a good two centuries. 

“There are no swords. We leave that to the Highland dancers.”

Tickets for the Kiama Ceilidh are $25 each, including a mid-evening supper.

They are are available from www.trybooking.com/LECY, or by phoning 0435 154 433.

This is a smoke and alcohol-free event. 

The RSCDS (Sydney Branch) wished to acknowledge the support of Kiama council in hosting this event.