Fort Worden Workshop
The Fort Worden Workshop weekend is the Seattle Branch’s annual dance workshop held at Fort Worden State Park just outside of Port Townsend, WA. Since it began in 1974, the annual Fort Worden Dance weekend has been a place where Scottish Country dancers from the Pacific Northwest and around the globe can gather to dance, improve our techniques, and have fun.
Traditionally the Fort Worden weekend starts with a Welcome Dance on Friday evening, after participants have registered and settled into their lodgings for the weekend. Dancing is usually followed by a Ceilidh where our weekend guests share their talents.
On Saturday, there are two classes in the morning and one after lunch. To fill in the remainder of the afternoon you can go to an optional ball walk-through, a beach walk, a visit to near-by Port Townsend, take a nap–your choice. The evening Ball opens with a Grand March and a champagne reception is offered during intermission. There is an after-party where weekend guests gather to jam, sing, chat, eat and drink.
Sunday morning is a general class for all participants; it is a great time to learn from a teacher perhaps missed on Saturday and to dance once more to our musicians. The weekend comes to a close with thanks, farewells, and “Auld Lang Syne.
Save the Date for Fort Worden 2027!
October 1-3, 2027
Join us for our 50th Fort Worden Workshop weekend!
There’s still time to submit a dance for a chance to have it appear on the 2027 Ball or Welcome Dance program and added to our Fort Worden 50 publication. Send your dance to Lizzie Wratten (fw@rscds-seattle.org) by December 31, 2026.
Teachers:
Musicians:
Ryan McKasson, fiddle, WA
Brandon Vance, fiddle , WA
Guinevere Saenger, piano, WA
Clea Taylor, cello, WA
Registration will be available in spring 2027
Workshop Schedule
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 1 | ||
| 4:30-6:30 pm | Check-in for the weekend | Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building |
| 8:00-10:00 pm | Friday Welcome Dance, Ceilidh following | Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Erickson Hall |
| Saturday, October 2 | ||
| 9:00-10:30 am | Workshop Session 1 | Fort Worden State Park, USO and Chapel Buildings |
| 10:45 am-12:00 pm | Workshop Session 2 | Fort Worden State Park, USO and Chapel Buildings |
| 12:00 pm-1:00 pm | Lunch | Fort Worden State Park, Schoolhouse Building Room D |
| 1:15-2:30 pm | Teacher’s Choice Classes | Fort Worden State Park, USO and Chapel Buildings |
| 2:45-4:00 pm | Ball Walk-through | Fort Worden State Park, USO Building |
| 7:30-11:00 pm | Grand March, Saturday Ball | Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Erickson Hall |
| 11:00 pm- ? | After Party | TBD |
| Sunday, October 3 | ||
| 9:30-11:30 am | Combined Social Class | Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Erickson Hall |
| 11:30 am-12:00 pm | Auld Lang Syne and Fare Thee Wells! |
Dance Lists
Dance programs will be available in late spring.