Fosgail an doras – Step Into Gaelic

Open the door into a day of Gaelic language and culture through dance and song, as we connect with our wonderful friends in Cape Breton!

Fosgail an doras don cànan ’s cùltar Ghàidhlig le dèan dannsa ’s seinn Agus dèan ceangal ri ar deagh charaidean ann an Ceap Bhreatainn

Join Frank McConnell and Jen Wren (plus other special guests), in a fun and social day that celebrates Gaelic as a living culture — best learned by joining in! Prepare for a lively and exciting day of workshops including puirt-a-beul (singing for dancing), Cape Breton step-dancing, stories of Scotland’s dance heritage, and formations of Cape Breton Square Sets.

Our event is free and intergenerational with no experience needed. Workshops are bilingual and welcoming for complete beginners, learners and fluent speakers/movers/singers alike.

Come for the whole day or drop in for the sessions that spark your curiosity.
Refreshments/light vegetarian lunch provided

10.00m Aig an tòiseach  – Introduction
10.30m  Puirt a Beul  –  Singing for Dancing
11.30m Srath-spè agus Ruidhlichean  –  Basic Steps for Step-dancing
12.30f Còmla  –  Putting the songs together with the dance
13.00f Àm Lòin  –  Lunch
14.00f Òraid  – Talk by Frank McConnell (in English) – Luke 1820  (Sgeulachd fhada mu dhannsa ceum ann an Alba) – a long story about step-dancing in Scotland
15.15f Tì
15.30f Ceithir Càraidean –  The steps and formation for Cape Breton Square dance

The day rounds off at 5pm, or … may well continue into an evening of square dancing (tbc!)