Scottish country dance gets a 21st Century etiquette makeover

As well as promoting inclusivity, the etiquette guidelines suggest not giving unwarranted feedback to other dancers

Scottish country dancing has been given an etiquette makeover to ensure it is fit for the 21st Century.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) hopes new guidelines will show it is an inclusive pastime.

A "woman's side" and "man's side" is no longer required for ceilidh favourites like Strip the Willow.

Dancers are also urged not to give feedback unless requested, to respect personal boundaries and remember "no means no".

The RSCDS is preparing to mark its centenary at its 2023 Autumn Gathering next month in Glasgow, welcoming dancers from around the world.

The three-day event kicks off with a traditional ceilidh at Kelvin Hall, with the dance programme designed by the Hawaii branch.

The charity hopes the rules will encourage new young members to try Scottish country dancing

George Coull, the society's chairperson elect, said "Scottish country dancing has always been inclusive but we wanted to just make sure that everybody knew that.

"We have dancing all over the world and it's about making sure everyone across the world is on the same page and that we encourage as many people to come along and enjoy the fun of Scottish country dancing as possible."

From the Gay Gordons to The Dashing White Sergeant, the new guidelines hope to send out the message that Scottish country dancing is for everyone.

"Regardless of your background, regardless of your sexual orientation, regardless of your gender, wherever you come from and whatever your background - Scottish country dancing is for you," he said.

The new guidelines are not prescribed and the RSCDS said dance callers will have the freedom to choose their own wording when calling dances

The new etiquette guide aims to "help create a safe and comfortable place to dance".

Sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ablest or racist language is banned.

Dancers are also asked to respect other people's personal boundaries, and to remember "it's OK to say no" when approached by a prospective dance partner.

Dances can have a "women's side, men's side or both", the guidelines say, with dancers encouraged "to explore dancing on both sides".

Mr Coull said it would be up to individual dance callers to decide which terminology they use.

"That's what this etiquette does - it doesn't prescribe anything, it lets people choose," he said.

"Traditionally men and women is how dances are referred to in the instructions but some callers decide to use gender neutral phrases and some prefer to use the more traditional forms.

"But it's not about the particular people and it's not about the particular positions, these are just the traditional labels that we use.

"What we're now saying is that if you wish to dance, you can dance on any side of the dancefloor and you can dance with any partner that you wish."