2006 - 2016

The fifth decade of the Ottawa Branch marked a gradual transition to the class structure and events we have today. Like in the rest of the SCD world, membership began to decline, starting with 245 at the beginning and ending with 127 members by the end of the decade.

This did not diminish the enthusiasm and scope of activities in the Branch! Classes were gradually restructured and relocated from the various schools and recreations centres across the city to become what we have now - three teaching classes and a social class held at Parkdale United Church and the Churchill Seniors centre.

As might be expected, recruitment and publicity became a key focus for the branch. Volunteers made many appearances at local highland games in Almonte and Maxville and began participating in the annual Ottawa kilt skate. An exciting event was the filming of dancing at the 2008 Welcome Dance which was shown on the CBC Living in Ottawa show. In 2014 the Branch, along with Ardbrae, participated in the worldwide 'Commonwealth Ceilidh' by dancing on the Hill. An unusual event was the appearance of a group of member volunteers dancing in a local production of Iolanthe. And of course the demonstration team continued to be very active appearing in events across Ottawa.

Regular social events continued unabated. In 2011 the Christmas Dance was held for the first time at the Glebe community Centre. A new initiative of this decade was the Ottawa Valley Dance Scottish workshop that was a joint effort with Ardbrae and held in the fall for several years.

And technology marched on - this decade marked the first instance of moving from CD's to music streamed from a device. The website continued to be developed, providing more information and functions, including the first online membership registration in 2009. In 2010 the Branch joined social media by creating a Facebook site.

Finally, of course, 2016 marked the 50th Golden anniversary of the Branch. There were many activities to celebrate this milestone - sales of a Branch cookbook and shirts emblazoned with the 50th anniversary logo, a pub trivia night and of course, a fun ceilidh. A special Golden Anniversary Ball was held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre where dancers enjoyed the music of Laird Brown and Scotch Mist. And in May 2016 the Branch dancers returned to the Hill to once again to dance to the Carillon.

Sources: Ottawa Branch bulletins 2006-2016, 2016 RSCDS 50th Anniversary History. Written by John Bottriell

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