The third annual Caledonian Ceilidh will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 in SJA's Fuller Hall from 10 AM to 3 PM; the adjudicator will be Bill Weaver, St. Louis, Michigan.

The Ceilidh is a traditional Celtic social dance, sing along, and social gathering in Ireland and Scotland. 

On Saturday, January 10th,  the Graham Highlanders of St. Johnsbury Academy and the St. Andrew's Highland Dancers of Vermont will again be co-sponsoring the Caledonian Ceilidh, the Northeast Kingdom's only Scottish highland dance contest, medal tesing (certification) and dance workshop. The contest portion of the dance weekend, which is open to the public, will take place on Saturday afternoon in SJA's Fuller Hall from 10 am to 3 pm. Admission to the contest is free to the public, although donations are gladly accepted.

Approximately 40 dancers are entered for the contest and will be traveling from all of the New England states, New York, Quebec, and Ontario. St. Johnsbury and Northeast kingdom dancers are well represented amongst the entrants for the competition. Both Academy highland dancers and other local students from the Heather Morris School of Highland Dancing will be on the competition platform.

The contest is being organized by Miss Morris, who recently passed her Highland BATD (British Association Teachers of Dancing) Fellows exam in Edmonton, Albertia Canada. In order to pass the BATD exam an applicant must be able to explain and demonstrate a complete understanding of fundamental principles of dancing and the candidate's ability to apply technique is particularly tested. This intensive test is administered by two examiners at once.

The adjudicator and workshop leader for the event will be Bill Weaver from St. Louis, Michigan.

A céilidh is a traditional Celtic social dance, sing along, and social gathering in Ireland and Scotland. These gatherings were traditionally held in the towns and villages on Friday and Saturday nights. Many weddings began as a meeting at a ceilidh. Although other forms of weekend social gatherings have developed over the years, ceilidhs remain an important element of Irish and Scottish culture.

This is the second year for the Caledonian Ceilidh. This is a unique opportunity to watch some of the best dancers in the Northeastern United States. It is also an opportunity for highland dancers outside the region to be exposed to the Celtic Arts program at the Academy.

For additional information, contact ddavidson@stjacademy.org.

Academy Senior and Award-Winning Highland Dancer Ashley Davidson:     

  I find it very nice to have a competition just 30 minutes from my house, especially since most competitions are often several hours away.  At the Caledonian Ceilidh, like any other competition, I get the wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, and spend more time with old friends.  However there are additional benefits.  As a student at St. Johnsbury Academy, I have had the pleasure in being more involved with helping make the Caledonian Ceilidh happen.  Last year I enjoyed seeing so many local supporters in the audience as well.  I also enjoyed seeing one my own teachers compete in the Pas de Basque challenge.  In addition, last year and this year I get to work with the school's Culinary Arts teacher, "Chef B."  Together we figure out what delicious food to sell during the competition.  Unlike the typical meat pies and fried food an upset vegetarian would often find at most other scottish festivals, much of the food at the Caledonian Ceilidh is healthy and fresh.  I have heard from others already about the great food at the Caledonian Ceilidh!  But food is just a very small part of this small but great competition.

      I think the first benefit of this competition to me and the younger dancers is that it is local.  I think that the best first competition takes place somewhere that is familiar to the dancer.  The great amount of support for the local dancers is always helpful and encouraging as well.  It helps to know and be comfortable with the people around you so you can be more motivated to really show off your best dancing.