Traditional dance aficionados and anyone who loves live music and Gaelic song are in for a treat this summer when Strathspey-based dannsa hit the road for Tuath Gu Deas (North to South), the dannsa Summer Tour 2005. The four core members of the group, Frank McConnell, Sandra Robertson, Mats Melin and Caroline Reagh, join forces with piper Fin Moore to create a truly national tour, taking their brand of traditional dance to a variety of venues from Shetland to Eyemouth. Add in the beautiful Gaelic singing of Mary-Ann Kennedy, Fiona Mackenzie and Liz MacLean, and the fiddle of Karen Steven and Anna Massie, and they present a powerful and engaging set.
dannsa's scintillating step-dance footwork and vibrant Scottish dances, executed with grace and flair, are the result of years of performing and teaching experience. They have been keen to ensure that almost all of the tour dates include participative ceilidh dances and workshops. All of the core group teach on a regular basis, and host an annual festival weekend (Strathspé Away) in November in Kingussie, where the group are based.
dannsa member Sandra Robertson told us 'The whole essence of dannsa is about reaching out using traditional dance and live music to communicate the richness of our heritage to people in their own communities - to encourage folk to share it. We love what we do, so we also set out to have a good time, and try to make sure the audience does too!'
The tour is supported by The Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund & HI~Arts, and begins on Friday 24 June at Kilmorack, continuing with dates in July, August, September through to 2nd October.
Tour Dates
June
Fri 24 Kilmorack Village Hall
Sat 25 Clashmore Village Hall
Tues 28 Wick, Mackay's Hotel
Weds 29 Skerray Village Hall
Thurs 30 Durness Village Hall
Fri 1 Lochinver Village Hall
Sat 2 July Poolewe Village Hall
July
Weds 13 South Uist, Ceòlas www.ceolas.co.uk
Mon 18 ButeLive www.butelive.co.uk
Tues 19 Killin Village Hall
Weds 20 Skye, Fèis An Eilein www.skyefestival.com
Thurs 21 Oban, Corran Halls
Fri 22 Stirling, Tolbooth
Sat 23 Eyemouth High School
August
Sat 13 'Care to Dance' at the Windsor Hotel Nairn, in aid of the Highland Hospice
Tues 16 Shetland - Yell Dance Club
Weds 17 Islesburgh Centre, Lerwick
Fri 19 Voe Hall
Sun 21 Islesburgh Centre, Lerwick, morning workshop
Tues 23 Glenlivet Public Hall
Weds 24 Strathdon, Lonach Hall
Thurs 25 Birnam House Hotel, Birnam www.thefiddletree.com
Fri 26 Achmore Village Hall
Sat 27 Grantown on Spey Grammar School
September/October
Fri 23 & Sat 24 Jura Festival
Weds 28 Lochcarron Village Hall
Thurs 29 Arisaig, Astley Hall
Fri 30 Dalwhinnie Village Hall
Sat 1 Oct Braemar Village Hall
Sun 2 Oct Edinburgh, National Museum of Scotland 1.45pm & 2.45pm (free event)
Singers: Liz MacLean June 24 - July 2 and August 13 - 27
Fiona Mackenzie Sat 2 July
Mary-Ann Kennedy July 18 - 23 and Sept 23 - October 2
Tickets will be on sale at the door of all events. Prices will vary according to venue.
