Workshop and Ball

Do YOU have the date marked in your calendar? 5th April 2025

Look for registration information as of 1st January 2025!

Watch this page for updates including the ball programme!

Workshop Teacher

Alan Twhigg will be the workshop teacher.

With Scottish heritage on both sides of his family, Alan developed a love for the traditional music at an early age. His parents danced with the Reel & Strathspey Club that preceded formation of the San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS and often took him to Highland Games and pipe-band concerts as a child.

Alan himself discovered Scottish Country Dancing as a university student, amongst other dance forms such as ballroom and international folk. The music resonated with some early memories, and the intricate patterns of SCD stood out from the other styles. He soon sought out a weekly class, then two…

Alan passed both of the RSCDS teaching exams at St. Andrews in the 1980s, and has been teaching regular weekly classes at various levels ever since. He has served as a guest instructor at weekend workshops across North America and tutored candidates for teaching exams. He also continues to participate in SCD performances, chiefly with the Red Thistle Dancers. Favorite memories include choreographing and performing a sword dance for the San Francisco Opera as well as teaching and performing in Norway, the Czech Republic, and Russia.

“SCD is a great activity for keeping body and mind engaged, for sociability, and for responding physically to the wealth and variety of music in the Scottish tradition. It has helped me connect with diverse people across the world and led to experiences and long-term friendships I never expected.”

Workshop Musician

Mary Ross will be the workshop musician.

Mary’s Scottish Heritage contributes to her strong ties to Celtic Music. Highland dancing started at the age of five, and the love of the music steered her towards playing the accordion. Mary’s musical career has taken her from Greenland to Texas, as well as Scotland, and various Canadian and USA destinations.

Mary is a member of VISCDS and the RSCDS Vancouver Branch. She has enjoyed providing music for Scottish Country Dance events since 1991. In addition to Scottish Music Mary has been an accompanist to the Victoria Police Chorus since 2000, is an accordion instructor, a member of the Victoria Accordion Club and also enjoys playing a variety of styles of music for private functions and senior residences.

Mary will be joined by some special friends in the evening, to provide music for the ball! ???