| What is the Teachers' Association (Canada)?
The TAC, as it is often called, is an association of teachers of Scottish country dancing formed in 1958 to assist one another where possible.
How may a Person Join the Association?
If you are a member of the RSCDS and have passed the Preliminary Test or hold the Teacher's Certificate you may join. If you would like to do so, or if you have any questions about TAC, just write to the Membership Secretary
Form: TAC Membership application
What are the objectives of TAC?
- To encourage and promote participation in Scotland's heritage of Country Dancing.
- To promote the highest possible level of approved standards of Scottish Country Dancing.
- To foster excellence in the teaching of Scottish Country Dancing.
- To undertake to preserve and disseminate materials supportive of the above objectives.
- To promote the continuance of the musical tradition in Scottish Country Dancing
- Stimulate co-operation between all teachers and dancers.
What has TAC done to date to further these objectives?
Reviewing the Books.
Work on this project started in 1958 with a view to clarifying ambiguities and obscurities in the descriptions of the dances. This work developed gradually until in 1969 a first book of Teaching Notes was published. The third edition of TACNotes was published in 1995.
Index to Dances.
As early as 1962 TAC prepared and distributed an index to dances, both RSCDS and contemporary creations. This work went on for some years, but has now been replaced by much more comprehensive computerized indexes which we are happy to market.
Index to TACTalk.
There is an abbreviated index available through TACBooks. Work is currently in progress on a comprehensive index which will be available in several different media.
Weekend Workshop.
The TAC runs an annual weekend workshop for members in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting. The venue changes, and has been held in many cities in Canada and the United States.
Summer School.
TAC started a Summer School in 1973, which has been running successfully ever since. A teacher candidates' course is conducted in conjunction with summer school every other year with both North American and Scottish Examiners. Rotation of Summer School will commence in 1998 in order to give our members and their dancers in other parts of the North American continent an equal opportunity to attend this worthwhile event.
Silver Jubilee Scholarship Fund.
This fund was started in 1973 and identified as the Silver Jubilee Fund in 1983. Interest on the fund is applied to scholarships to teacher candidates for help in attending candidate courses held in conjunction with Summer School.
Resource Material.
Through the divisions of TACBooks and TACSound recordings, books and other printed matter are supplied to members and dancers on an international basis. Members receive discounts on a number of such purchases. TAC also republishes out of print dance books, leaflets and other reference material as required in addition to new material. Several recordings have also been produced under the TAC banner.
Area Representatives.
An area around a Branch of the RSCDS is considered a focal point, and teachers in that area elect their own representative to an Area Representatives' Council. The idea is to establish and maintain communication between the Executive Committee and members in the field. Area Representatives are encouraged to organize events such as workshops or seminars to promote the objectives of TAC.
Outreach Program.
This was established in 1985 to provide closer links between the Executive and the membership through participation, on a cost-sharing basis, in local Teachers' Workshops, etc. throughout North America.
TACTalk.
In an association with such a wide geographical spread, communication is of top importance. TACTalk, our quarterly bulletin contains news and information, articles about dances, dancing, music, record reviews, and a bit of editorial whimsy. It is a useful way to keep in touch with the membership which currently is in excess of 700. TACTalk also circulates worldwide to subscribers who find its contents of sufficient interest to pay to read it.
Music Workshops.
TAC initiated its first such event at the 1984 Summer School. This practice is continued when there is sufficient interest.
Examiners' Tours.
By arrangement with the RSCDS the Association manages the liaison and coordination of the North American Examination Tours. Teacher candidates are examined in selected centres in the years when there are no examinations held at Summer School.
Examiners' North American Tour 2005
|
