Scottish Country Dancing sessions will be resuming after the summer break on October 11 and current members are hoping that new dancers will be encouraged to join this sociable, multicultural club based at the International School of the Algarve in Porches.
Mardie Cunningham, the group teacher, told the Algarve Resident: “You don’t need to have any experience to be able to take part in the lessons as we guide dancers of all levels.
“You don’t need to be Scottish to join the group. We have dancers who come to us from across the Algarve and they are of all nationalities including English, Scottish, Portuguese, Danish and German.”
Although the club participates in an Iberian Scottish Country Dancing weekend each year, which sees members donning their kilts and traditional dress, there is no need for dancers to go out and buy specialist tartan clothing or shoes as the group is very informal.
“We would only suggest that people wear soft shoes to the sessions and casual, comfortable clothing,” said Mardie.
While traditional dances are taught and practiced during the weekly sessions, this is also an opportunity to meet with new residents in the Algarve of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds.
“Dancing is a great way to meet new people while it is also a very good form of exercise. Dancers can attend sessions as a couple or, as with most of the participants, you can come on your own and we can pair you up.
“We are a friendly bunch and everyone is welcome. I hope we will be able to welcome some new faces when the sessions resume on October 11,” said Mardie.
Scottish Country Dancing takes place every Monday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the International School of the Algarve at Porches from October 11.
There is no membership fee and each session costs 1.50 Euros.
For further information about the group, please email Mardie Cunningham at [email protected]
