Kilts, bagpipes and Scottish dancing in the Cedar Valley

The Cedar Valley Scottish Country Dancers (CVSCD) do exactly what their name implies – Scottish country dancing. Their style of dancing, which can be seen in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," dates back to the 1600s and was originally used in court dances.

"There are actually hundreds of dances, and (they) are being written all the time," explained Karen Potter, director and dance instructor of CVSCD.

Although Potter started teaching from her home in 2010, she now teaches at the Lampost with her husband every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m.

There are three main types of dances taught by the Potters: jigs, reels and the Strausbay. They also came up with their own dance called "Gunner's Reel," which was named after their dog Gunner.

Jessie Conrad, freshman psychology major, was the only University of Northern Iowa student who attended the last class.     

"It was so much fun," said Conrad. "I couldn't stop smiling."

The group is currently getting ready for ball season, which is when branches of Scottish country dancers from all over get together. The Queen of England is the head of the branches. At the ball, all the men and women get dressed in their finest dresses or kilts for the banquet, followed by a night full of dancing.

In all the dances, men stand on the left side of where the music is playing, with the women straight across from them on the right. The key to every Scottish dance is to change partners every dance.

"The thing about this kind of dancing is that it's easier than ballroom, because in ballroom, men have to get the feet right, but in Scottish, it doesn't matter, so men enjoy it more," said Potter.

Besides the ball, there are also informal dances called socials that the group prepares for. Sixteen students from Iowa State University attended the last social CVSCD had.

"My hope for the future is to have a more continuous group so we can have events like we did last year," said Potter.

Potter said she teaches these classes "for the fun and for promoting the enjoyment of Scottish country dancing and Celtic music."