Chairperson

I have been dancing folk dance for as long as I can remember, but it was only after moving to Scotland four years ago that I discovered Scottish Country Dancing. Since then, I have participated in a wide range of classes, dances, and events - each one a lovely experience!

I recently graduated with a degree in English and Creative Writing and plan to continue my studies in Human Resources. I have a strong interest in working with people and enhancing their experiences, both within and beyond the dancing community. I have also successfully completed Units 2 and 3 of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate, giving me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and love for SCD with all dancers.

Over the years, I have built many lasting friendships and believe there are always more people to meet and wonderful memories to create. Attending Newcastle and other schools has been a nice opportunity for learning and personal growth, and remains one of my life’s greatest joys. I am based in Dundee, but can be found dancing anywhere from Perth to Paris. I look forward to meeting you on the dance floor!

Treasurer

My name is Sarah Ferguson and I have been dancing since 2015 when I had just graduated from University and was looking for a fun activity to do. When I walked into the Kitchener RSCDS class, they were so welcoming, kind, and funny that I decided to keep coming back. I've always taken dancing lessons so I was able to focus on technical aspects with Scottish country dancing, which was something I had looked for in the past but was not able to find. Even though I was focusing on my technique, I was able to socialize and have a lot of fun in a supportive environment.  I've continued to focus on my technique by joining our region's advanced class and recently became the Kitchener-Waterloo Beginner's Class Instructor after passing my exam levels 1-3. I am taking my Unit 5 exam during Summer School 2024. My favourite dance is Shiftin' Bobbins and my favourite formation is the Poussette. When I'm not dancing I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and training my dog Enzo.

Secretary

I started dancing in Bryn Mawr, PA when I was studying for my undergrad at Haverford. I loved the dancing and music and making friends in the community. I still dance in the Philadelphia area and also travel around the US and Europe for workshops, balls, and to hang out with all my dance buddies. I'm excited to dance with you all soon. Antlers up!

IT Officer

Dancing SCD since 2013, I kept my interest in discovering new things and growing new skills, professionally and for fun. This led me into IT Consulting for 5 years after being in international business for another 5.

Now fully dedicated to a new career as Media Composer (and as arranger & mixer among other fun things), I am happy to join the Youth Branch to work on the IT and hopefully help attract even more dancers to the wonders of SCD!

Publicity Officer - Europe

Hi, my name is Shona (she/her) and I have been dancing for six and a half years - ever since I joined the Glasgow University Scottish Country Dance Club (GUSCDC) in my first year of university. I currently dance in Basel, Switzerland, but have really enjoyed travelling all over Europe to dance this year. I am currently pursuing my teaching certificate, and have taught here and in Scotland. I also was a general member, Treasurer, and subsequently President of GUSCDC during my time at uni, and am excited to hopefully get back into the committee life and help the youth branch in all its excellent work.

Publicity Officer - North America

Scottish Country Dancing has always been a part of my life. My parents met through SCD, and my sisters and I began dancing as children.  I live in Toronto, Canada, and, when I’m not on the dance floor, I work as a Social Worker.  I recently completed my teacher’s certificate and co-teach a class for Young Adults.  A highlight of the class has been seeing the smiles when someone tries SCD for the first time!

I am excited to join the Youth Branch Committee to help share the joy of SCD with others, and to build a stronger network of young dancers around the world. 

Compliance Officer

I started doing Scottish Country Dance in 2022. I attended university in Scotland, and after a bout of nostalgia for my school days I wandered timidly into my local class and asked if this is where the ceilidhs took place! I was quickly corrected, but encouraged to stick around, and I'm glad I did. This community is an amazing one, and I'm thankful to be a part of it!

Alongside SCD, I'm also an enthusiastic tabletop roleplayer, and have a fierce passion for story-driven video games. Professionally, I work in sustainability, and hope to bring some of that focus into the Youth Branch's operations.

I usually dance with the group in Zurich, Switzerland, so if you're ever in the area on a Tuesday evening, stop by with your shoes to join in.

Ordinary Member

Scottish dancing is in the family as my grandparents taught and played for dance classes before my parents met at a dance class at uni. I began dancing when I was 4 and was part of the Newcastle and District (UK) RSCDS Branch until I went to uni in York in 2021. Having just graduated from York, I am now moving up to Aberdeen to begin a Masters. I’m excited to have dancing back as a prominent part of my life. After my Masters I hope to begin working towards my teaching certificate.

Joining the Youth Branch Committee in 2021 was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The friends I made at the Youth Weekend Away in Bologna 2022 encouraged me to try Spring Fling for the first time in 2023. I had a great time and now youth events are a highlight of my year. My favourite dance is The Dreamcatcher, but there is nothing that fills me with more joy than dancing Schiehallion in a hall full of young dancers.

Ordinary Member

I am Anne-Laure, I'm French and I currently live in Cambridge, UK. I started dancing and playing piano for Scottish Country Dance, in 2016, at the wonderful Paris Branch! After a couple of years without dancing, I have started dancing again a bit, and I have the joy to play for student classes and several dances in Cambridge. I previously played for Scottish dancers in several parts of the world (USA, Japan, Canada, Portugal, France...) before Covid and I had the chance to meet many dancers and musicians!

Ordinary Member

I began dancing in my early teens in 2008 and quickly developed a passion for the sport, further delving into Tap, Ballroom, and Rock and Roll to compete at national level and pass all six JAM (Junior Associate Member) medal tests from bronze to gold bar.

Alongside dancing, I’ve been involved in youth work as a Pippin unit leader through Girl Guiding NZ, a committee member for my local club, and former JAM Memberships Coordinator for the New Zealand Branch, including helping organise the 2015 ‘Hobbit’ JAM Camp.

My professional background is in education, with experience ranging from secondary and early childhood teaching to supporting children with disabilities, which led to my aspiration of becoming a Special Education Needs Coordinator. I’m now studying Law at the University of Waikato following a recent career shift, and I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm, diverse skills, and dedication to supporting the Youth Branch and the future of Scottish Country Dancing.