Report by Anne Taylor, RSCDS Banffshire Branch 

"I had been involved in the planning stage of the Core Training for Instructors (CTI) as Chair of the Education and Training Committee. However, during the latter part of the decision-making, I had to demit this position due to ill health.

I then became a Trainer for the CTI course which meant telling dancers about it and then helping them to take part. Dianna Baillie was interested as she had taken over the Fochabers class vacated by Margaret Cowie.

I was required to visit Dianna's class and then to report back to her with anything to help her manage her class. Instructors are judged on the ability and style of the class they lead.  Social dancing is the main focus in the classes we teach in the Banffshire Branch.

Dianna took all comments with grace and understanding and tried to incorporate suggestions into her class. The class were very supportive of Dianna and worked with her along her journey.

During this time, I myself became ill and was not always able to visit Dianna's class. But Dianna often came to the Spey Bay afternoon class which I took. I asked her to teach one or two dances during the class and this turned out to be very worthwhile, as Dianna was teaching another class. We did not do much step work but did look at the formations and how to do them."

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Once Dianna had fulfilled the requirements of the course, a video of her final lesson and her lesson plan were submitted to the RSCDS office in Edinburgh. We are delighted that Dianna was successful and received her Statement of Proficiency as an Instructor of Scottish country danci