Scottish Country Dancing is foremost social dancing. Like most folk dancing throughout the world, it began in the celebrations of rural people for weddings, harvest festivals or any special gathering. It belongs to every class of society. Traditional Scottish Country Dancing has a true international flavour.

Much of the elegance and grace comes from the French Court of the 16th Century. German and Spanish influences are seen in many of the steps and formations. Today, new dances are introduced that originate from all over the globe.

Most Scottish Country Dances are progressive and are performed in longwise sets of between three and five couples. The joyous social contact that is typical of Scottish Country Dancing is emphasized through the progression as the first couple moves down the set, one couple at a time. Scottish Country Dance clubs and affiliated groups are found on every continent. In South Africa, there are four clubs and four affiliated groups. The title of the Scottish Country Dance Manual says it all, "Won't You Join the Dance".

For further information on the Pretoria Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, contact: