My journey with dance began at the tender age of four, a path my parents set me on, and I’ve been twirling through life ever since. Dance has been more than just a hobby; it’s been a fundamental part of my life, a language through which I express stories and emotions. This powerful form of emotional storytelling transcends geographical boundaries. Whether in a small village hall or a grand theater, dance connects performers and audiences alike through movement. This universal connection became profoundly clear during my semester abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the autumn of 2015, where I explored Dance Scotland traditions.
Alt text: International students laugh and learn traditional Scottish dances at a University of Edinburgh welcome event, showcasing cultural exchange and friendship through dance in Scotland.
Just within my first week in Scotland, I experienced this emotional expression through dance Scotland firsthand. The University of Edinburgh, in its welcoming spirit, organized back-to-school activities, including a class dedicated to teaching traditional Scottish dances like the Highland dances. With my dance background, it seemed like the perfect, fun way to meet new people and immerse myself in Scottish culture right from the start. At this event, I found myself chatting with a girl who turned out to be from Australia, studying at the University of Edinburgh for her entire degree. This casual introduction was just the beginning of numerous global connections I forged with students from all corners of the world who had converged at this historic university. The class was a diverse mix; some students had grown up with Scottish dances, while for others, like myself, it was a novel experience – a first-time venture into holding hands with strangers and joyfully moving around a room in unison. This interaction, filled with such diverse backgrounds, truly highlighted the global environment I was now a part of. It immediately opened my mind to new encounters and perspectives, a mindset I carried throughout my entire study abroad experience. This initial dance Scotland class became a foundational moment for my personal growth that semester. Whenever I felt hesitant or unsure, I reminded myself of the openness and eagerness to learn and connect I felt in that dance class during my first week.
Embracing Scottish Culture Through Movement
Alt text: Lively street parade in Scotland with traditional Scottish dancers in kilts and musicians, celebrating Scottish heritage and vibrant cultural expression through dance.
As we learned more dance Scotland steps, I began to feel a deeper connection to the culture and heritage embedded within these movements. My history major side kicked in, and I became fascinated by the origins of these steps and the history of these dances. Discovering that I was learning centuries-old Scottish dances significantly deepened my appreciation for the culture. Even though I felt a bit awkward at times, skipping and trying to keep up with the lively music, I was genuinely thrilled to be partaking in a piece of Scottish heritage that continues to thrive in the 21st century. Walking into that dance class, I hadn’t anticipated forming such cherished memories or realizing the profound importance of preserving traditional dance Scotland forms. Yet, by the end of that hour, I literally danced away with a newfound appreciation for learning new dance styles and a stronger connection to my temporary home for the next four months. From the very beginning of my semester, integrating dance Scotland into my experience became a way to learn about others and, importantly, about myself.
Another fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in dance Scotland came through a ceilidh organized by the Scotland IFSA office for its students. Interestingly, this event also doubled as a Thanksgiving celebration, a unique bridge between Scottish and American cultures. We enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey and stuffing, but with a Scottish twist – haggis was also on the menu! After dinner, the real fun began: a proper ceilidh with live music where we learned more traditional Scottish dances. It was quite a sight, watching about 80 Americans, including myself, trying to master the hops and footwork! I loved the cultural exchange that was so evident at this event, a true embodiment of my entire semester experience – blending my own culture with the rich Scottish culture surrounding me.
Alt text: Traditional Scottish bagpiper in full kilt attire playing bagpipes outdoors in Scotland, representing the iconic musical heritage and cultural richness of Scotland.
While the dance Scotland itself was incredibly enjoyable, I also started to contemplate the deeper significance of these dances. Ceilidhs, I learned, were and still are vital social gatherings in Scotland, designed to bring communities together. These events are a celebration of the country’s rich history and its people. A typical ceilidh is characterized by the wearing of traditional Scottish kilts, the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, and, of course, a generous amount of whisky. It’s a joyous occasion for friends and families to reconnect and celebrate Scottish customs. As an outsider, attending my first ceilidh was exhilarating, and I quickly embraced the cheerful and convivial spirit that Scots naturally bring to such events.
The Thanksgiving ceilidh occurred towards the end of November, signaling the fast approaching end of my semester abroad. This timing offered a perfect moment to reflect on my entire experience. From that initial dance Scotland class in the first week to the ceilidh near the end, I had learned to embrace new opportunities, even when they seemed challenging or outside my comfort zone. I learned not to take myself too seriously, and if I stumbled during the dance steps, or made mistakes in other aspects of my time in Edinburgh, I could laugh it off and keep “dancing” my way through Scotland.
My passion for dance, combined with my academic interest in history, has fueled a desire to continue stepping into the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) dance Scotland shoes of others. Experiencing this in Scotland broadened my perspective on dance and the world, which is invaluable for my growth as both a dancer and someone deeply interested in history and culture. Learning to dance in the Scottish style provided me with opportunities to connect with people from around the globe, all of whom share a respect and appreciation for Scottish culture. Reflecting on these dance Scotland experiences, I’ve gained a greater appreciation not only for the dance style itself but also for the Scottish customs that are vibrantly preserved today.
Upon returning to the United States and resuming my life back home, I carried the lessons learned from Scottish dancing with me. When I experienced reverse culture shock – that strange feeling where everything at home is the same, yet you have changed profoundly – I drew upon my dance Scotland experiences. I reminded myself to maintain a positive attitude, adapt to changing environments, and cherish the independence I had gained while abroad. I hope that with every new challenge I face, I can tap into the lessons I learned from Scottish dancing and my semester in Edinburgh, giving me the confidence to continue dancing through life.
Laura Bonds was a History major at Rhodes College and studied abroad with IFSA on the University of Edinburgh program in Edinburgh, Scotland in Fall 2015. She served as an alumni ambassador for IFSA.
