Review of "Performance Dancing with the Red Thistle Dancers"

Jimmie Lomath, Director, Celtic Spirit, Los Angeles:

A Thrill to Watch and Learn From

One can only watch and marvel at the level of perfection evident in the collection of dances performed by the Red Thistle Dancers on this video, a project led by dance mistress Jennifer Kelly which was two years in the making.

In lighting, costume, and makeup, the blend of colours results in a very "Scottish Tapestry." The dance performance with so many simple figures executed so well all combine to produce such a beautiful harmony on stage, all of which could not have happened without the dedication and hard work of all involved.

It was a thrill to watch the love of and passion for the dance shine throughout. This video is intended to show how one can utilize SCD for performances at all levels and should provide both encouragement and a valuable tool to others in the RSCDS family. As a judge, I would give this project a 10. A perfect mark well deserved by all. This to me is a level we all strive for and few attain.

It is such a fitting tribute to Kim McGarrity, who dedicated so much time and work to this project. I sincerely hope it will be embraced by both the dancing and music community alike. I look forward eagerly to the next video.

Thank you Jennifer, Kim, and the Red Thistle Dancers for sharing your great talent.
 

Comments about "Performance Dancing with the Red Thistle Dancers"

Heather Sykes, a teacher in Lady Lake, Florida (May, 2002):

The whole package was so well done; it must have been quite something to have been involved in the making of it. I just sat in awe of the wonderful dancing and the cleverly put together transitions - I've just been playing it over and over again. I can't wait for our demo team to see it; they make a fuss when I suggest combining two dances - they have no idea what I have in mind for them now! I'm all fired up and ready to go!

The music is going to be so useful too - just exactly what I've been dreaming about for so long. We've been making CDs for demos, playing them three times through and then adding a chord on the end but they never sound quite right. I only had music for two different 3 x 32 reels so this has always been a problem. Now I have enough to keep me happy for a very long time!

Watching the video was like seeing my dreams come alive before my very eyes except that your dreams were even cleverer than mine! I always wanted to do what you did but never had the caliber of dancers, the number of good dancers or a way of doing the music like I wanted to do. I have to say though that your end result far exceeded anything that I've ever thought of doing - it was poetry in motion - absolutely great!

The video and book has given me lots of ideas and expanded my whole outlook on how to present demos in a more entertaining way and I can't wait to get going on it. Our group has even agreed to carry on meeting throughout the summer to work on some new ideas so I'm hopeful we'll make a major breakthrough here! If not, I'm moving to California!