Looking back on 2018
As the year draws to a close, I’m looking back at what a wonderful year of performing, teaching and competing (with lots of travelling in between) it has been.
Performance-wise, this spring featured the premiere of Change of Step’s original theatrical dance production, East Coast Celtic in Dartmouth, as well as a second performance this fall in Mabou. We have been incredibly lucky to work alongside truly outstanding musicians Dawn and Margie Beaton, Mac Morin and Kenneth MacKenzie for this production. It took months of collaboration, passion and work by our entire team, but I am so proud of the end product and the incredible reception the show has been getting from our audiences. Hopefully we’ll bring our show to a theatre near you sometime soon! Other 2018 performance highlights (with Change of Step) included: PEI Festival of Small Halls with Ashley MacIsaac; the Broadcove Scottish Concert with Dawn, Margie and Kenneth; and various private functions with Squid Precision Drummers and with Shreem (on that note - have you seen Change of Step’s Daydreams series ft. Shreem?!).
As for my dance school in Dartmouth, it’s hard to believe that I have already started my 2nd official year. As my beginner students start to compete, it has been exciting to see them win their first medals, and for some, their first gold medals and overall high aggregate trophies. It has been a rewarding time as I watch my students form friendships through dance, get their first taste of success and improving results following their work in class and practice at home, and build confidence in themselves. I couldn’t ask for a more lovely group of kids to share some laughs (and occasional silliness) with as we work hard in dance class together (that means you too, all my wonderful Skype students!). I am excited to see what the future will bring for all these up-and-comers.
A big thank you goes out to all the associations/groups who hosted me for workshops this year, including: Echoes of New Brunswick, the Ottawa Highland Dance Association (with Change of Step), the Victoria Highland Dance Association in BC, and the Pictou County Highland Dance Association (apologies to any I have missed). My trip to South Africa for the South African Highland Dancing Conference was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so a big thank you also goes out to the South African highland community for the invitation to take part, and for their amazing hospitality. Finally, thank you to the Gaelic College who had me return to teach at their youth and family summer sessions this year. It’s hard to beat Cape Breton in July, and being surrounded by the incredible talent and passion for Gaelic culture there is always inspiring. It remains one of my favourite places!
Last but not least, on the competition side of things, I was humbled to win my 6th World Championship title in Scotland this August. A whole team of people helped me achieve this dream once again – my dance teacher, fiance, family and friends (including one of my best friends, whose wedding I missed to be able to compete that day). Without your support throughout the years I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this and I am eternally grateful.
Thank you to everyone who made my 2018 year of dance one for the books!