I started SC dancing as I left school and started college. I did English country dancing at school and Guides. It made no demands on me and so when Scottish dancing came into my life it was just what I wanted and stretched me to dance well. The first dance I ever did at a London dance was Miss Mary Douglas and I still have a soft spot for it.
The only classes I attended were at Summer School. The first time I attended St Andrews I spent a week in the beginners' class and the second week in the advanced one with Miss Milligan. (There were no grades of classes between beginners and advanced. In fact the only other classes were the Fully Certificated and the exam classes.)
Miss Milligan - I knew her well. She examined me for both my exams (with Mrs. Gudger) and they were the best part of the courses. I sat with her through the exams we held in Leeds and that was an education in itself. I was taught by her each year at St Andrews and any other courses I could get to and finally I was included in her demonstration team at Summer School and that was something very special. There are lots of interesting stories I could tell you about her!!
Teaching experience - since passing my exams I have taught both children and adults non stop except when my children arrived and I had a brief rest. I've always enjoyed teaching more than dancing myself.
Candidate classes - for the first twenty years of the Leeds Branch (1962 - 1982) we held regular candidate classes (mixed ones) that I took. I have tutored at St Andrews 1991 - 1997 and last year took another mixed class in Leeds.
Examining - I have been an examiner since 1985 and have averaged two exams per year in various parts of England. I did the African tour for the Society in 1998 and this year will be teaching/examining for TAC in August.
I cannot explain my love of Scottish Country dancing but it has just been my life for the last 45 years. [Ed note: Brenda received her Teacher's Certificate in 1955.] My real enjoyment in dancing is being able to help others to dance well and thoroughly enjoy themselves in doing so.
Letter from Holly Fuchs about Brenda