Northallerton Caledonian Society is a friendly, social group.
You're welcome to join us if you're looking to try something new, if you're an experienced dancer looking for like minds or if you're just passing through and would like to meet people with a shared interest. We hope you can find the answers you're looking for below but, if not, please get in touch and we'll do our best to help.
FAQs
If you can’t find the answer to you question below then please contact us HERE
What to wear/ bring?
Clothes
Lessons are informal, so there's no need to dress up. Loose / unrestrictive clothes are your best bet as they don't hamper your movements. Scottish dancing is an active style, and you may get quite hot during the evening so it’s advisable to bring a layer you can easily take on or off depending on whether you're dancing or sitting out.
Shoes
Flat, soft-soled shoes are recommended. If you have them, jazz or ballet shoes can be worn.
Once you know that Scottish country dancing is for you, it's generally recommended that you invest in some proper dance shoes. Members will be happy to share their experience of the different styles of shoes available.
Partners
There’s no need to bring your own partner and it’s polite to switch partners for every dance.
Can children come?
The Society doesn't hold a designated children's class. Children are welcome to join us if they already have the basics of Scottish Country Dancing and are accompanied by a parent or carer. This is at the discretion of the Society.
Drinks
It’s recommended that you bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated during the evening.
Music
At our weekly classes we dance to recorded music.
At our Autumn and Spring dances we book well known Scottish Country Dance Musicians.
Sometimes a solo musician and sometimes a full band.
What else does the society do?
As well as regular dance classes, we look to celebrate particular moments in the calendar. Our Autumn Dance usually falls on the Saturday closest to St Andrew's Day. At Christmas and in January, for Burn's Night, we turn the class into a party night.
Several members attend dances run by other clubs and societies around the North East. Some travel further afield to dance. Society members are always welcome to join them.
In July 2026 we attended our first White Rose Festival run by RSCDS Leeds. We'll be looking to put a team together for 10th July 2027.
At the end of May we organise an end of term dinner giving us a chance to chat with the friends we've made during the dancing year.
Safeguarding
The Society has a safeguarding policy in place.
You will be asked to provide your contact details and your emergency contact details so we can let you know if classes are cancelled or keep you up to date with news. These details are provided in confidence and will not be shared.
The Society uses photographs to publicise its events and you will be asked if you are happy for us to use your photograph.
Fees
This is not a profit-making society. Most of the fees go towards the cost of the hall, while the remainder helps with the general upkeep of the society's resources.
There is no charge for the first class you attend.
In 2026-27 charges are:
Annual membership of the Society £8
Autumn Term £35 for 15 classes or alternatively, £4 per night
Spring Term £45 for 19 classes or alternatively, £4 per night
FIND US
The Zion United Reformed Church Hall
178 High Street
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8JZ
The hall can be a little hard to find as it is set back from the High Street. The entrance is located at the south end of the High Street between Kitson (the butcher) and Ramsdens (the jeweller). Go through a wide arch into a cobbled/ stone courtyard. Ahead of you is the main church. The path continues slightly left along the side of the main church. At the end of this, slightly behind the church, is the hall where classes are held.
Parking: At this time of night parking on the high street, outside the church entrance is not a problem (and free).
Alternatives: There are a couple of bike racks outside the main church. Additionally, Northallerton Rail Station is only half a mile down the road.