Grant Testimonial for the RSCDS Youth Branch Youth Weekend Away in Ottawa

Mission of the RSCDS Youth Branch

The RSCDS Youth Branch is a global community within the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, dedicated to dancers aged 12 to 35. Its mission is to promote and support Scottish country dancing amongst young people, encouraging dancers from around the world to connect and to build a welcoming, inclusive environment in which young dancers can thrive.

The key activities of the Youth Branch include hosting Weekend Workshops (Youth Weekends Away). We currently hold two Weekends Away every year, one in Europe and one in North America. Taking place in a different city each year, these events include dance classes, evening balls, and cultural city tours. The Youth Branch also usually offers Travel Grants to its members twice per year. These provide financial assistance to help young dancers attend RSCDS events; members are invited to apply and the Committee selects one or more successful applicants through an anonymised system. The Youth Branch also offers support to youth-focused Scottish dance events around the globe, particularly by offering additional publicity. Members of the Youth Branch enjoy access to exclusive events, free reciprocal membership with the International Branch, and regular newsletters featuring news about past and upcoming activities.

By providing young dancers with a space to connect, learn, and enjoy the dance form we all love, we encourage younger generations to keep Scottish dancing and Scottish culture vibrant, exciting, and sustainable.

Ottawa Youth Weekend Away

The Ottawa Youth Weekend Away was our first event held in Canada, and we were delighted to be warmly welcomed by the two local dance groups, the Ardbrae Dancers and RSCDS Ottawa.

The weekend began with a Friday evening social at an Irish pub near the youth hostel where most attendees were staying. This informal meet-and-greet gave dancers—who had travelled from across Canada, North America, and Europe—a chance to get to know one another and build friendships before the dancing even began. By chance, a local Irish music group held their regular Friday jam session that evening, adding to the lively atmosphere. We were very happy that the teachers and musicians could join the Welcome Party, allowing them to take part in the social side of the weekend as well.

On Saturday we enjoyed morning and afternoon dance sessions led by Canadian teachers Jody Kulas and Sarah Ferguson. The group was split evenly between advanced/very advanced dancers and a beginner group. Some participants had only attended a handful of Scottish dance classes beforehand, so this weekend offered them a wonderful opportunity to learn, to discover the global community behind Scottish dancing, and to experience the fun of a Scottish dance event. The afternoon concluded with a speciality class, during which Jody introduced Highland dancing.

On Saturday evening we held a Ball, open to dancers of all ages. We were delighted that many members of the local groups joined us, filling the hall with happy dancers, who enjoyed fantastic music played by Henry Cobb and James Matej MacQueen.

On Sunday morning a local dancer led the group on a walking tour of Ottawa, including sights such as Parliament Hill, Kiweki Point, and the spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois.

The SCDEF grant

The SCDEF grant, which was very gratefully received, contributed significantly to the quality and accessibility of the event.

By contributing to the costs of the Weekend, the grant allowed us to keep participant fees affordable, making the event more accessible to younger dancers and students who might otherwise have been unable to attend. This, in turn, encouraged international participation, attracting dancers from across N America and Europe. This strengthened the international network of young dancers, building friendships and connections that might otherwise not have been possible.

We were also able to hire two young musicians, themselves also dancers, which not only enhanced the quality of the event but also gave them more professional experience, supporting the next generation of Scottish dance musicians.

In addition, by enabling the event to go ahead as planned, the grant indirectly supported the growth of the broader Scottish country dance community in the region. We collaborated with the Ardbrae Dancers and RSCDS Ottawa with the planning of the Weekend, and by bringing in local attendees, connections with the local groups were strengthened. The dance groups of Ottawa were delighted that a youth-focused event took place in their city, and they enjoyed attending the evening Ball immensely.

Once again, we are very grateful to have received this grant and appreciate the trust you placed on us in using the funds in the most effective way possible.

Testimonial by Weekend Away Attendee Gabrielle McInnis

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the chance to take part in the 2025 Youth Branch event in Ottawa, Ontario. As someone who only recently joined the world of Scottish

Country Dancing, this was a really meaningful experience for me. It’s been over ten years since I’ve been involved in any kind of artistic movement, and returning to it through dance has been both exciting and humbling. Having the opportunity to connect with dancers not only from across North America but also from other parts of the world felt very special. There’s something deeply energizing about being surrounded by people who are passionate about dance, culture, tradition, and creativity. It gave me a chance to see just how vibrant this community is, to learn new ideas and techniques, and to form meaningful connections with instructors and fellow dancers—all while exploring our nation’s capital.

One of the most impactful parts of the weekend was the environment itself. It was a space where making mistakes wasn’t just accepted but encouraged as part of the learning process. Working together as a team, staying open to new ideas, and pushing past my comfort zone was challenging in the best way possible. Beyond the dancing, staying in a hostel, sharing meals, and experiencing Ottawa’s nightlife brought us closer together and added another layer of community to the weekend. These simple, shared moments—laughing over breakfast, navigating the city together, reflecting on the day’s events—are what make youth weekends so memorable.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of falling deeply in love with this dance form, the music, and the incredible people who make up this community. The passion, care, and creativity from leaders and facilitators create a space that’s truly youth-centered, fostering empowerment, belonging, and genuine connection.