There are several forms of dance that practiced in Gaelic communities and in Scotland in general, and many people claim that they date back to beyond the mists of time, but the forms of dance that survive into the present only began to emerge in the eighteenth century, and they were greatly changed in the second half of the nineteenth century. This presentation will provide a summary of the main influences that created Scottish dance as we have it in the present, especially in Gaelic contexts.

Dr Michael Newton earned a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 and was an Assistant Professor in the Celtic Studies department of St Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia 2008-2013. He has written a multitude of books and articles about Gaelic culture and history and is a leading authority on Scottish Gaelic heritage in North America.

Join us for this online step dance workshop as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, led by Scottish Step Dancer, Sophie Stephenson.

Step dance is a fun, active and social activity for all ages. The workshop will give you the opportunity to actively engage with traditional music and Gaelic culture, through dance. You will learn percussive style dance steps to strathspeys, jigs and reels. For wee ones, it helps them to learn rhythm and improve their coordination whilst, for adults it is a gentle way to improve stamina and strengthen muscles. Advised to wear hard soled shoes and bring a bottle of water!

Open to participants anywhere in the world, this online workshop offers a relaxed and supportive space to explore step dance, learn something new, and celebrate Gaelic culture during Seachdain na Gàidhlig. The class will be delivered in English, with Gaelic words, numbers, and simple phrases woven throughout, giving participants the opportunity to engage with Gaelic language and culture through dance and movement.

The class will be live on Zoom, with the option to receive a recorded version of the class if you can’t make it live.