Dance Dance, Wherever You May Be

Story by: Celtic Colours International Festival

It is well-established that dance tradition is an important, if not defining, influence on Cape Breton’s traditional music. Dance is the root of our culture and drives the rhythmic style of music found not only here but also in Irish and Scottish musical traditions, as we see in these Celtic Colours performances.

Celtic Hearts : Dé tha thu 'g ràdhainn? | What are you saying? 1

Dusky Meadow Set: Dusky Meadow (Traditional) / Sandy MacIntyre’s Trip to Boston (John Campbell) / Beaton’s Delight (Donald Angus Beaton)

Celebrating the integral role dance plays in Cape Breton’s traditional music, Celtic Colours has always showcased dance during the Festival. Renowned Cape Breton dancer and instructor Melody Cameron is featured here with Kenneth MacKenzie on fiddle, Patrick Gillis on guitar, and Mac Morin on piano, recorded during the always popular Close to the Floor concert at Strathspey Place in Mabou (10/13/15).

Featuring: Melody Cameron, Kenneth MacKenzie, Mac Morin, and Patrick Gillis

Grogan’s Set: Grogan’s / Headwood Crossing / Leslie’s March (Traditional, arranged by Liz Doherty, Eugene McKenna, Lauren O’Neill, Eimhéar Mulholland and Jack Warnock)

Dr. Liz Doherty and a flock of her Ulster University students are joined on stage by Irish dancer Joe McGuiggan at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre during Celtic Cabaret (10/9/16). Joe’s dance is influenced and inspired by the old traditional style of County Derry in the North West of Ireland. This sean-nós, or “old style”, has much in common with Cape Breton step dancing.

Featuring: The Doc Flock with Liz Doherty and Joe McGuiggan

The Dance Set: The Kames Lassies (Donald McPhedran) / Little Donald in the Pigpen (Traditional) / Mary’s Fancy (Traditional) / The Ale is Dear (Traditional)

Cape Breton dancer Amélie Larade steps to centre stage in her home community of Chéticamp to close the first half of Fiddlers’ Homecoming: 50 Years at the Doryman, at La Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson (10/11/16). Fin Moore, Sarah Hoy, Andrea Beaton and Mike Vass make the Cape Breton-Scotland connection on this set of tunes just right for dancing.

Featuring: Fin Moore, Sarah Hoy, Mike Vass and Andrea Beaton with Amélie Larade

Celtic Colours International Festival

For nine days each October, Cape Breton Island comes alive with music and dance as the Celtic Colours International Festival celebrates the Island’s rich cultural legacy.

Where to Find the Perfect Sunset on Canada's Musical Coast

Canada's Musical Coast, nestled along the western shores of Cape Breton Island, offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the country.

Ensuring Snowmobile Safety: Essential Guidelines for Riders

Snowmobiling offers exhilarating experiences across winter landscapes, but safety must always be a priority.

Where to Find Fresh Lobster

Atlantic lobster from Cape Breton Island is renowned for being the freshest and some of the tastiest lobster in the world.

Get to Know the People & Culture on Cape Breton Island

Tap your toes to fiddle tunes at a Ceilidh. See authentic Acadian crafts at Les Trois Pignons. Take a piece of Mi’kmaq culture home with you at a drum-making workshop. On Cape Breton Island, culture is all around you just waiting to be explored!

W for Waterfall Season!

When the adventurous duo Chris and Jan from A for Adventure received the call to explore Cape Breton Island’s magical Waterfall Season, they packed their gear, laced up their boots and set their sights on some of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking scen

Ashley George’s Ski Adventure at Cape Smokey

Cape Smokey offers a ski experience that’s both easy to reach and impossible to forget. A short, two-hour flight from Toronto lands you right on Cape Breton Island, where you’ll find incredible coastal scenery, fresh powder, and the chance to ski ju