Scots on The Rocks

Welcome to Scots on The Rocks - downtown and upbeat!

Scots on The Rocks was formed to provide a fun, social environment to enjoy traditional Scottish country dancing in the CBD. We have a flexible class format and an emphasis on having fun. We also run beginners' courses for those who have never danced before. We dance, we learn, we lead each other through dances and build confidence in our knowledge and dance technique.

Come straight from work and forget the cares of the office as you reel and jig and feel the music spirit away your feet. Afterwards join us for a bite to eat at a nearby noodle bar.

Why Scottish Country Dancing?

"A late 1990s BBC documentary exploring the question of 'what makes people happy' concluded that the activity generating the greatest degree of happiness in its participants was Scottish country dancing. The aerobic demands of this type of dancing are considerable, and enthusiasts of all ages tend to be physically fit. So here is a hobby that is officially more fun than sex and also better exercise. What's more, you are not only allowed to change partners - it would be impolite not to." (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A315929)

Professor Michael Argyle was one of the best known English social psychologists of the twentieth century and made the following statement in relation to Scottish country dancing:

"Let us take another example: Scottish country dancing. This is very social, it involves use and development of skills, and is relaxing in the sense that tensions can be discharged. It is in addition a complete world of its own, with special costumes and rituals, and it includes the arousal of a great deal of joy, partly through the music."

Argyle, M., The Psychology of Happiness (London, 1987).
An article from Men's Health (Australia - Jan 03) magazine explored this further - Have A Fling by Sean Thomas.