What do you get when you put together a local television personality, a lawyer, people of all ages and a rich Scottish heritage?
A dance-off, that's what.
The third annual Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Winter Jig Dance Competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. (beginner dancers) Saturday, Jan. 17, at Pilgrim Congregational Church. At 1:30 p.m., advanced dancers will compete.
Highland dance classes are taught at First Presbyterian Church for advanced and beginners every Monday -- the spring session begins Feb. 2.
So, why Duluth?
ADVERTISEMENT
"We have a strong heritage of Scottish families and highland dancing ... in our region," said Jill Lucca, winter jig event coordinator and DSHA vice president.
According to an informational booklet from the DSHA, highland dancing is one of the oldest forms of folk dance. Ballet and square dancing can trace their roots back to highland dancing, which started in either the 11th or 12th century.
Many locals are helping carry on this tradition.
Scot Barbara Reyelts, TV personality for KBJR and dance instructor, said highland dancing is "about the best there is" as far as exercise is concerned.
"I'm a runner, I run marathons," she said. "I can run a marathon and not be as tired as I am [when] going through a regular dance class."
There is no age limit for those want to dance Scottish.
"I started when I was 8," said Diana Bouschor Dodge, a local attorney and dance instructor.
Lucca said they have had dancers as young as 3, but 4 is a better age to start learning the dances.
ADVERTISEMENT
It might get a little tougher, though, if you're elderly.
"[It's] a little hard on a body and a person because there is so much pounding on your knees and so much jumping," Reyelts said.
Reyelts added that Scottish dance is more precise than many other ethnic forms.
"Even the traditional (Irish dancing) hasn't got the same precision and requirements we do," she said.
There will be more than 40 dancers participating in the winter jig from Thunder Bay, the Twin Cities and the Northland.
The dance lessons and competitions are for women, men, girls and boys.
There's also a competition at Fitger's in June that has been going on for about two decades.
News to use
ADVERTISEMENT
There will be a dance performance at the Duluth Children's Museum at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. It will feature some regional dancers.
For more about the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, dance classes and upcoming events, visit www.duluthscots.com . You don't have to be Scottish to participate.
