JELICA GAVRILOVIC steps out with Ross-shire step dance group Hielan’ Toe in Strathconnan.

HIELAN’ TOE are taking step-dance workshops and evening ceilidh round the small halls of Ross-shire over the next few months. I joined them at their Strathconon workshop.

Hielan' Toe (Strathconon Hall, January 2005)

The hall and its setting was spectacular. For the event on Saturday, 25 adults and children attended the 2-hour afternoon workshop to learn how to step-dance. For most people, it was a first-time introduction to stepping, and workshop leaders, Anna, Thelma and Pat inspired participants to return for more in the future.

The leaders shared their knowledge and skills with real professionalism, and maintained good humour throughout.  We learnt to step to reels, jigs and strathspeys, each requiring different ways of forming rhythm and making sound with our shoes.

The workshop was followed by a ceilidh later that evening accompanied by Hackum Plackum and various other artists, and compered by Selwyn Roberts. We were surrounded by 41 stag heads and a stream of fairy lights; the acoustics were just great, providing a comforting setting for the evening ceilidh.

Hielan’ Toe also gave a strong performance during the sword dance, and showed various formations, some of which were improvised, throughout the evening.

The leaders were trained by a variety of artists, including members of Dannsa, during the weeks leading up to the tour and are funded by Awards for All and the Scottish Arts Council.

© Jelica Gavrilovic, 2005