There aren’t many opportunities in Borderland to learn to dance the Scottish Lilt, Highland Fling and Flora MacDonald’s Fancy.
People of all skill levels can learn these dances and more Saturday and Sunday during free workshops presented by the Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes and Drums to help promote highland dance.
“Part of the Fort Frances Highlanders’ mandate is we are a teaching organization,” Pipe Major Bruce Lidkea said. “Certainly over the last several years we’ve been teaching lots of pipes and drums and now it’s time to give a little bit more to our dance team.”
Workshops will be held at the Masonic Hall, 302 Scott Street in Fort Frances, and taught by George Hamilton, a member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance.
According to Lidkea, the Highlanders are hoping the workshops will give people the opportunity to learn and appreciate highland dance.
“It’s a great way for our current highland dancers to improve, but it’s also a great way to bring new members into our highland dance group,” he said.
The band and dancers gain exposure from performing year round at parades, concerts, and special events. Lidkea said it appears there are few marching bands in existence and explained “It’s amazing how appreciative communities are when we perform for their special events.
“Being part of the Fort Frances Highlanders gives members the opportunity to learn and perform. It really is a lot of fun.”
Participants must fill out registration forms for the workshops by tomorrow and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
