BY KIRSTY WATT
Eight of Skye’s finest young Highland dancers have been selected to perform in the New York Tartan Week in April.
Running in ages from 16 to 20, Beth Campbell, Emma Campbell, Eilidh Farr, Neela Mutch, Lacey Morgan, Teri MacLeod, Ami Mackinnon and Mairi Finlayson, are all dancers at Dannsairean an Eilein Sgitheanaich. The group learnt they had been given spots in both the performance teams and the parade after submitting audition videos of a five-set step hornpipe and a dance they choreographed themselves.
Karen Rankin, DAES teacher, told the Free Press: “I’m beyond proud. Our dancers have danced since Tartan Tots so have well earned their spots. However, it was not a given and it was a very nervous wait for the results!
“They are very much a team and it is lovely they have all been given this opportunity to experience it together. Highland Dance takes so much commitment and dedication, which they have given over the years. It’s lovely to see it being recognised.”
This is the first time dancers from DAES will be performing in the Tartan Week held this April, but Karen says “it will by no means be a holiday”! After rehearsals, multiple performances and the main parade, the dancers will also be competing. To top this, Beth has been invited to be a part of the team representing Highland Dance at the Tartan Week’s World of Dance Competition.
DAES have a JustGiving page to help raise money for the trip to New York, and over the coming months they will be holding further fundraisers.
Karen added: “We are beyond grateful to our fantastic community who are so supportive. Our JustGiving page is for those who are in a position to help us along the way and are unable to attend our fundraisers. Should any individual or company be able to sponsor a dancer we would be happy to discuss.”