TAC Summer Events General Information 2026
* This information is still being compiled so there may be some changes over the next week or so. V. Zeltins, Registrar, March 1, 2026
We are so excited you are considering coming to one of our Summer Events this year. The hardest part after saying YES, is registration! There are many options and decisions to make when you get to the registration form that a little pre-planning will ease.
1 Review what event you wish to attend.
Summer of 2026 sees several options - Summer School, Candidates’ Class, Musicians Course and Teachers Conference Weekend (TCW). Read the description of each and (if you print this out) circle it for registration.
A week of Scottish Country dancing for dancers of all levels and nationalities begins with a dance on Sunday night and ends with a Ball the following Saturday. This is called Summer School and it includes 2 classes each morning, optional afternoon classes, evening activities, 3 meals a day and accommodation. (Sunday morning breakfast after the ball is also included.) Most of our dancers and the success of our summer school comes from this pool of dancers. No matter what your dancing level, we have a class for you. July 26 - August 2, 2026
If you are attending Summer School this year, you also have the opportunity to participate in a Musicians’ Course and as a dancing angel for no extra cost!
The Musicians’ Course gives dancers with musical talent an opportunity to learn how to play for Scottish Country Dancing. This Course is offered by our Music Director and class musicians in the afternoons. It is an excellent opportunity to explore another aspect of Scottish Country Dancing and to learn from the best in a small group setting. You must know how to play your instrument and if possible, to bring it with you. After June 1, if you have indicated on your registration form that you want to take the Musicians’ Course, the Music Director will contact you and other details will be shared.
The Candidates’ Course is offered every other year at TAC and gives dancers who want to learn more about Scottish Country Dancing the chance to become a SCD teacher. This course is two weeks long and requires dancers to pass Unit 1 before attending. There are 5 units to complete in total. Candidates usually do two units the first time (units 2 and 3) and unit 5 the second time they attend. Anyone interested in this option should contact Joyce Lindsey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and before registering.
Because we are offering the Candidates Course this year, we need our dancers to help them out. Formerly called stooging, dancing angels are asked to attend 1 or 2 classes offered by the candidates. You have an opportunity to meet our future teachers and learn from them something you may have missed along your dancing path. Sign ups for these opportunities occur at Summer School and are voluntary. We strongly encourage everyone to attend at least one of these practice classes and/or examinations. You help the Candidates more than you can imagine.
Some dancers may feel that a full week of dancing is too much and may opt for a Half Week option. All classes, meals, evening events, ball and accommodation are included for the days attending. Due to accommodation restrictions this year, we are holding off registration for the Half Week until May 1. More information about this option will be posted in April on the website.
There is a weekend for Scottish Country Dance teachers before Summer School called Teachers' Conference Weekend (TCW). This is for SCD teachers who are TAC members and includes workshops, dancing, the TAC AGM and a Ball. Teachers may bring a companion who can attend the evening dances and ball, but will have the days free to do other activities. (Sightseeing or shopping to name but two). Teachers also have the choice to extend their stay until Wednesday lunch to attend three days of Summer School. This is called TCW Plus. July 24 - 26, 2026 or July 24 - July 29, 2026
Some teachers may wish to stay for the entire week and would then sign up for TCW & Summer School. This gives you the most chances to dance and socialize with new and old friends.
July 24 - August 2, 2025
There is also an option for non-dancers to attend as a companion. This is a great option for partners to come and/or a friend who maybe can't attend everything, but would like to attend the evening dances and events. The companion rate includes all meals (for the selected time frame), accommodations and access to all evening events, including the Ball. If you are coming as a companion for TCW and staying to dance at Summer School, then you select TCW (Companion) / Summer School (attendee) on the registration form. The TCW Plus, Companion includes your 3 days of classes at Summer School plus all of the above.
There is also an option to attend everything, but live off campus. This is called Non-resident. Morning, afternoon and evening activities are included, but the only meal you get is lunch. This works for people who may live locally or have friends who do. Please contact the Registrar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the price list and registration link.
2 Review the class levels.
During Sumer School, there are classes every morning with on of our staff teachers. Over the course of the week, everyone gets classes from every teacher. We strive to offer classes where the dancers can learn and move forward in their dancing. This requires all participants to think about what they want to achieve at Summer School and the best place (class) in which to do it. It sometimes means that friends are in different classes and that's okay. Making the best choice for your current dancing level and your desire to learn means that the teachers who are leading the classes can move everyone in a positive direction. Don't be afraid to ask someone which class to take. Match it with what you want to learn and you will have a great time. The Class Descriptions 2026 is posted separately on the website and includes the figures and formations expected at each level.
Essential Skills
This class focuses on the foundational components of Scottish country dancing steps, fundamental formations and basic social elements found on the dance floor. Teamwork, phrasing and good eye contact are just some of the skills developed to build confidence along with technique. List 1 shows the figures considered essential and form the focus for this class.
Consolidating Skills
This class takes the essential skills to the next level by adding in the development of partnering skills and adding to the formations repertoire of each dancer. Dancers in this class must be able to sustain a good level of energy and commitment to improving their performance. To benefit from this class, participants must be able to dance all the figures in List 1 without a reminder or walkthrough and be able to dance the List 2 figures with a brief recap.
Challenging Skills
Physically and mentally challenging, this class is for dancers who can perform at the highest level of dance, with excellent footwork, handing and overall technique. Dancers are expected to know all the List 1 and 2 figures without any reminders and have a good dancing knowledge of the List 3 formations. Low impact is not an option for this class.
Social Skills
Dancers who are able to dance all the formations in Lists 1 and 2, but who wish to simply dance are encouraged to select this class. While there will be technical aspects of the dance and complex formations presented, this class presents a more relaxed dance setting. Low impact is an option here.
3 Collect your personal information.
This sounds odd, but the registration form will ask you questions which people often don't think about so it takes a minute to collect the information. After the common name (as you are called), address (street), email and phone number (where we can contact you), we need Emergency contact names and phone numbers (of people NOT at Summer School), any dietary or medical conditions that may require some type of accommodation, and whether or not you are willing to share your contact information with the other participants at Summer School. Many of us have kept those lists over the years and it's a great way to jog memories or reach out and contact people after Summer School.
4 Payment choices
At TAC we are very excited to offer Early Bird pricing for our Summer Events. The prices you see on the registration form are in effect until midnight May 1, 2026. After that time, prices will increase by 10%. Get your spot early!
Every year there are some issues with how to pay. PayPal is the easiest; however, we know that not everyone likes it. We have offered the choice of e-transfer to our Canadian participants. Our Treasurer is also trying to make paying by credit card NOT in Paypal an easier choice this year.
If you are under 35 years old, please register as a Youth.
For the offline payments: If you don't want to do pay your registration online you can send your registration along with their credit card details (Name on card, card number, expiry date, CVC number, postal code) to the Treasurer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will process the payment.
Cancellation Policy
If you register during the early bird period and change your mind before May 1, 2026, your refund will be a 100% minus a $200 administration fee.
If you register and change your mind before July 1, 2026 you will get a 50% refund minus a $200 administration fee.
There are no refunds after July 1. Period.
Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain cancellation insurance as well as travel and health insurance before registering.
General Illness & Covid Policy
Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming Summer School experience for all participants. We ask everyone to use good “illness sense” and to prioritize the health of the community.
When to stay away from activities
Please do not attend classes, socials, meals, or other group activities if you have symptoms of COVID or another infectious illness (including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, significant fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea). If you become unwell, remain in your accommodation or off-site lodging.
You may return to activities once symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, in line with Alberta public health guidance. Masking is encouraged for several days after returning, especially indoors.
During Summer School
If you become ill while attending, please notify the Summer School Director or designated medical contact as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Refunds due to illness
Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain travel or medical cancellation insurance. There are no refunds after July 1, 2026.
Shared responsibility
To help keep everyone well, participants are encouraged—though not required—to take a COVID test before travelling. You may also wish to bring a couple of Covid tests with you.
We all play a part in caring for one another. Please be mindful of your own health, practice good hand hygiene, and make choices that help protect the wider community. Participants who choose to mask, step out of a set, or take time to rest should be met with understanding and kindness — these choices help ensure Summer School remains enjoyable for everyone.
