CARSTAIRS - The first-ever Highland Dancing Competition at the Carstairs Heritage Festival & Parade of Kilts was very well received by audience members and enjoyed by competitors, say officials.
The competition in the Carstairs Curling Rink on June 4 was sanctioned by ScotDance Alberta and adjudicated by Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing judge Tanyss Cameron Rogers.
In all, 90 competitors took part, coming from across the province to take the stage.
The dancers ranged in age from four years old to adults, competing in eight set dances in four categories. Top dancers received specially designed medals and trophies generously sponsored by local merchants.
Event MC and coordinator Arlene Bain called the competition a “smashing success” thoroughly enjoyed by the dancers and fans.
“Many of the performers were thrilled to participate in the parade,” she said. “With the cooperation of the weather, the event proved to be one to remember.”
Dating back to the 11th and 12th century, Highland dancing has been used to tell stories from Scottish folklore, to commemorate significant events, and to demonstrate physical prowess, she said.
The Scottish Official Board was established in the 1950s to define the standards of competitive dancing in the areas of timing, technique and physical deportment, she said.
Highland dances include the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Scottish Lilt.
Meanwhile, the heavy athletics competition at the festival saw competitors compete in throwing events including stone, caber and hammer.
The winners were Rob Young in the open category, Jaime Clark in the women’s, Sean Langford in the master’s, and Glen Hay in the lightweight.
The Crossfield Fitness team won the tug o’ war.
“The athletes were outstanding and a big hit with festival goers,” Pam Montgomery, Carstairs Heritage Festival Foundation president.
