Highland Customs through Highland Dance

The Spirit of the Highlands for me is primarily, the people who make a place. I love to engage with the people in a place...it is important to learn from each other, share and facilitate others.

I grew up in the Highlands and from a very young age was exposed to traditional music and dance.  I loved listening to the Highland Bagpipes and these are commonly played to accompany Highland Dance.  I am a fiddle player and love to play and write music that is inspired by the pipe tradition.  I also love to compose music for Highland Dance choreography. 

The Highland Clearances on the late 1700s is a subject of great interest to me.  Subsequently, many people emigrated to Canada in the hope of better lives.  I find it fascinating that Canada has in turn, influenced Highland Dancing, with the strong tradition of contemporary Highland Dance Choreography there.  A lot of my compositions have choreography at the heart of them and I love to connect with local Highland Dancers and collaborate on projects that celebrate this custom.

Mary Ann's Legacy

Introduction to Mary Ann's Legacy by the Artist

dance of dwarwick

Introduction to Dance of Dwarwick by the Artist

Dance

Dwarwick Pier
Image provided by Northport Studio

branching out

Introduction to Branching out by the Artist

crossroads reel

introduction to crossroads reel by the artist

dochas hornpipe

Introduction to Dochas Hornpipe by the Artist

The Spirit of the Highlands for me is primarily, it’s the people who make a place. I love to engage with the people in a place. Through collaborating with like-minded and similarly enthusiastic and willing individuals, social bonds are strengthened. I have been supported tremendously when I was younger and this in turn has led me to try to help others. I feel that it is important to learn from each other, share and facilitate others.

https://www.karensteven.co.uk