FERGUS – The 79th Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games were in full swing on Aug. 11 when the festival dawned some authentic Scottish weather.
However, cloudy skies and heavy rains were no match for hundreds of highland dancers competing in Sunday’s Pre-Premier and Premier Nationals Competition.
“I think they all stood out today,” said judge Fiona Champagne.
“Today is a rainy, rainy day, and it just goes to show the dedication these young dancers have to their craft.”
The competition featured nearly 210 dancers across 20 age groups, ranging from seven to over 21 years of age.
The dancers were judged by a panel of six judges from all over the country and even a couple visiting from Florida and South Carolina.
Dancer Kelsey Drekic performs in the Premier Nationals on Aug. 11.
Dancers in all age groups were judged on three dances.
First, dancers perform the reel, a country dance traditionally performed by sets of two or more couples.
Then, the Flora, a dance that honours Flora MacDonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after his defeat at the battle of Culloden in 1746.
And finally, the Scottish lilt, a courting dance historically performed by gentlewomen to showcase their grace.
Dancers begin each dance with 100 points, which are deducted at the judge’s discretion throughout the dance.
Champagne says judging a group of dancers requires a sharp eye and is not as easy as some may think.
“There are numerous aspects of highland dancing you are supposed to look for when the dancers are performing,” she said.
“Technique is one of them, making sure they stay on time for the music; general presentation; and especially turn out.”
Champagne, who has been teaching highland dance for over 40 years at her studio in Ottawa, is a past Canadian and world highland dance champion.
However, she wasn’t the only dancer with a national title in attendance.
Sixteen-year-old Ava Granger from Orangeville was present this weekend; the 2019 national champion and five-time provincial champion competed in the Premier 16 years category, placing first in all three dances, ultimately winning the overall trophy.
For Granger, the feeling of winning never gets old.
Premier 16 winner Ana Granger, 16, stands in front of a photo backdrop at the 79th Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games on Aug. 11
“It is definitely a really good feeling when you win because other people are noticing your improvements and how hard you’ve been working,” she said.
The young athlete began highland dancing at just three years old, after watching a group of girls performing at a farmers’ market.
“I saw it at a farmers’ market and was just in love with it. I asked my mom as a little three-year-old, ‘Can you play the bagpipes for me?’ What kind of three-year-old wants to listen to bagpipes?” Granger said with a laugh.
Following her performance on Sunday, Granger revealed she will be travelling to Scotland to compete in the Highland Dance World Championships later this month.
Also in attendance this year at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games were many dancers from Wellington County, including several from the Blue Bonnet Lassies School of Highland Dance in Fergus.
Competing in the beginner nine years division, dancer Violet Earle placed fifth in the reel, sixth in the Flora, and fifth in the lilt. In the novice 14 years and over category, dancer Gabrielle Jackson, placed third in the Flora.
Those interested can still view scores and placements and track future competitions on the ScotDance app.