The
Scottish Stepdance
Company

Who Are We?

We are an inventive and dynamic new group, committed to the promotion, performance, and re-integration of Scottish stepdance into the current traditional music scene in Scotland.  Drawing on the traditional music of the Highlands, intricate percussive stepdance sequences are generated to accentuate the rhythms existing in both the old and the new music.

The result?  Some of the most interesting and powerful displays of footwork to come from a pair of hard shoes!

Our current show contains many new, exciting music and dance ideas which have to be heard to be believed! The onstage atmosphere is one of fun and is very much based around the informality of a village ceilidh, whilst still retaining the professionalism and presentation of a performance.

The dancing features a variety of improvised solos (both traditional and modern), routines with up to 4 dancers, and many other rhythm based pieces. The difference between the traditional old style and more contemporary steps will be highlighted in the show.

All of the dancers in this group are also musicians, and/or singers, and place great importance on following the rhythms of the tunes and accompaniments - we view stepdancing equally as a form of percussion and as a form of dance. Our music is very strongly centred around the west coast traditions of Gaelic song, piping, and fiddle playing, with the majority of the band coming from the Highlands.

Our music is by no means purely traditional - the combination of funky, dynamic guitar playing with spontaneous and rhythmic fiddling, and wild, driving piping produces a highly innovative and unique sound... In contrast, the singing ranges from soft and haunting Gaelic airs & traditional Scots song, to lively puirt a beul (mouth music) and work songs - combining with the music and percussive dance to create an exciting, incredibly varied show.

The cast are all young, vibrant, highly talented, spontaneous and creative.