By
Instructor: Mairi Rankin
All Levels; Fiddle
This workshop sends you home with a new reel to play. Mairi will offer insight to the driving force behind the Cape Breton reel as well as specific reel techniques that give this style of tune its infectious energy.
By
Instructor: Mairi Rankin OR Wendy MacIsaac
All Levels; Fiddle
While the jig style is ubiquitous across many genres, the Cape Breton jig stands out with its particularly Cape Breton touches. Learn from one of two of Cape Breton’s finest teachers. This class is so nice, we are listing it twice!
By
Instructor: Wendy MacIsaac OR Mairi Rankin
All Levels; Fiddle
We are offering this class at two different times, with two different masters of the style. Maybe you just learned a strathspey (see Learn a Strathspey with Wendy MacIsaac) or you already have a few-or a lot!- in your repertoire. This class will focus on refining the specifics of this style that make it truly unique. Strathspeys are known for their complex timing along with ornamentations (the Scottish snap for one) that give this style of tune a unique feel. Learn how to harness these techniques from some of the most admired fiddlers from Cape Breton and elevate your own strathspey playing.
By
Instructor: Mac Morin, Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin
All Levels; Dancing
Wendy, Mairi, and Mac are all accomplished step dancers. In Cape Breton it is common for people to learn steps as children and they are often interwoven with many other parts of the ceilidh culture. This dynamic team will take the pulse of the room and move forward to accommodate the group present. Basic steps will form the basis of this class and embellishments will branch out. Steps may include strathspey steps and reel steps. Last year routines were developed and in some classes live music was part of the fun.
Check our schedule matrix to see which classes each instructor is teaching.
Bring soft soled (not tap) dance shoes if you like. A water bottle will be welcomed, as well as layered clothing–you will break a sweat!
By
Leaders: Mairi Rankin, Joy Adams, Matt Shipman
Format: Panel Discussion
Are you frightened to perform in public? Do you get tense from being on stage? Do you jumble your words when talking into a microphone? Issues like these will be demystified by our experienced staff.
