Step Up, it’s strictly Dannsa, with the release of Scotland’s first ever Step-dance tutorial DVD

Nov. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- For over eleven years, Dannsa have been blazing a trail throughout Scotland and elsewhere performing their unique blend of traditional dances and percussive Scottish step dance. They celebrate and promote the rich traditions and culture of Scottish dance, music and Gaelic language through research, sharing, teaching and performing.  They have had first-foot involvement in shaping many traditional dance events as their essence is all about sharing a sense of fun, enjoyment, pleasure and community.

The relationship between the music, the language and the rhythm of the steps and dances is fundamental to the spirit and style of what Dannsa present and now with the first ever DVD of its kind in Scotland, Dannsa can bring their superb technique and infectious enthusiasm to a wider national and international audience.  

“Witty footwork, full of a vivacity that would have encouraged Tam O’Shanter’s eyes to pop in delight!”
Mary Brennan, The Herald

The Dannsa Step-dance Tutorial DVD is aimed at the beginner and the intermediate step-dancer.  Dannsa’s core step-dancers Caroline Reagh and Sandra Robertson lead you through each step, accompanied by Fin Moore on the pipes, at a variety of different speeds to support the learner. The DVD includes easy- to- follow lessons in Strathspeys, Reels and Jigs, with plenty of opportunity to practice as you watch. Additional material on the DVD includes short videos of step-dancers and information about the history and social context of this dance style. So whether you know the difference between a reel-step and a two-step, Dannsa’s Step-dance Tutorial DVD will have you up on the floor agus a’ Dannsa.

With the popularity of Michael Flatley’s Riverdance, many of us may associate step-dancing with Ireland alone. Step-dancing in Scotland has its own unique style and history also relating to the language, songs and music. Certainly, were it not for the enthusiasm of the Cape Bretons in Nova

Scotia and Dannsa’s pro-active approach to performance, teaching and participation, the tradition would now be lost in Scotland.    

Cape Breton Island's ambassador of step dancing, Mary Janet MacDonald, said this of Dannsa:                                                                          

“Dannsa impress me with their meticulous footwork and their performances here on Cape Breton Island were a huge hit with all audiences.  Their steps are executed with precision and ease, and I love their neat feet and their 'close to the floor' style while dancing to the richness of traditional Strathspeys and Reels.  They love to dance, they love to perform, they love to teach, and their enthusiasm is contagious.  It doesn't get any better than that!"

So, step to it, the appetite for dance is at its healthiest, order your copy today and celebrate your Scottish heritage and culture.  

Running Time: 1 hour NTSC & PAL formats
Order your copy now from: www.dannsa.com
Released on 13th November 2010
Price:
£15.00 (UK including p&p)
£16.70 (Europe)
£17.65 (rest of world)
Please contact Dannsa for wholesale and trade prices) For more information on dannsa’s activities in your area, please visit www.dannsa.com

Ends
For further information, review copies, interviews and photographs, please contact Lyn McNicol on t. 0797 1231238 or e-mail: lyn@lynmcnicolpr.co.uk

Editor’s Notes

Dannsa is extremely grateful to Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government and the European Community Cairngorms Local Action Group LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programme for part-financing and supporting this project.

Dannsa have an ongoing commitment to education projects and have taught and ran projects in numerous schools throughout the Highlands and in the Cairngorm National Park area. They currently have a 3 year commitment to teaching step-dance in Gaelic Medium Primary schools funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.