Physical and mental health and well-being has a Scottish lilt for Bowral's Helen Wales.
In fact Mrs Wales has embraced the benefits of Scottish dance since the mid-1980s.
Her passion for the dance style began as an adult student, but it wasn't long before she was passing on her newfound skills as a Scottish Country Dance teacher.
Mrs Wales said she had always enjoyed folk dance at school and had also done physical culture for most of her life.
"I enjoy being active and as my children grew up I was looking for a new activity," she said.
"I had moved from Sydney to the Southern Highlands and was looking for something to do that was social.
"I saw an advertisement in the paper inviting people to come to a Scottish Country Dance meeting so I did."
Mrs Wales said Scottish dance was a connection with her heritage as both her parents were from Scotland.
Furthermore she said she liked that Scottish Country Dance was recognised by medical authorities to have several benefits.
"It provides physical and mental stimulation and is great for social interaction," she said.
"This all contributes to a healthy lifestyle."
Mrs Wales took up the role of teacher with the Southern Highlands Scottish Dancers in the Mid-1990s, eager to share her love of the dance with others.
She said that she had spent the past 25 years sharing her knowledge with the group as well as occasionally teaching for Sydney functions.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed with Mrs Wales recently being honoured with an award from the Sydney branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society based in Edinburgh. She was presented with a certificate and a statement of her achievements during the Southern Highlands Scottish Country Dance group's annual social on September 7.
Mrs Wales said she was surprised by the recognition.
"The award came out of the blue. It definitely wasn't expected," she said.
But while high accolades are gratefully appreciated by Mrs Wales her aim for the future is to continue sharing her love of Scottish Country Dance with others as a teacher at the Southern Highlands Scottish Country Dance classes.
The group meets at Moss Vale Uniting Church hall each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
All dances are walked through first and new dancers are welcome. A fee of $6 is charged and a light supper is provided.
Details: Shonagh on 4871 1369 or email Judy at jrdyson2@bigpond.com
