Pride of Stewart Highland Dance
I first met this amazing troupe/school of highland dancers when they danced to the Tartan Terrors music at one of their shows. I have now seen them several times and love photographing them.
I was privileged to attend their recital in Ajax on May 30th. What a show it was, as they combined songs from the Tartan Terrors and highlighted two of Chris’s songs. Dance in the Moonlight was the title of the event, named after the song penned by Chris.
What I wasn’t ready for was the final dance, along with the song “Sailing Home”. I am sure there were many teary eyes in the crowd; I know that I shed a tear or two. It was so moving. Chris safeguards that song as a special song. Giving the Pride of Stewart special permission indicates just how much Chris adored this group of people.
I have been immersed in editing the photographs to send back to Dana Robitaille for the past six weeks. We’ve had many conversations, Zoom sessions and text messages. Looking at the eyes of the dancers doing their routine, I too was stuck in the vortex of falling in love with them.
The dedication to dance, the school, and each other is infectious. Speaking and connecting with the parents confirmed that this assembled group of dancers are a reflection of one very caring steward, Dana.
Meet “our” group of dancers - The Pride of Stewart Highland Dance Academy.
Poster: Courtesy of Pride of Stewart Highland Dance, graphic artist - Emma Inkpen
The dancers with “River” in the front of stage, she simply loves the stage.
The object of the evening was to capture the “Essence” of the event. As most followers are aware. My purpose and passion in photography has been a lifetime of capturing special moments in whatever event I am photographing. Whether it is photographing a judo tournament, a dance recital, a gymnastics competition or taking in an organized sport such as hockey. I am after more than just covering the event.
Arlynn, I took over 4,500 during the recital. This is my favourite shot.
I am always moved by the dedication of not only the participants, but also by their coaches, parents and countless volunteers who make events a reality. It does not matter whether it is a recital or a competition; they are still amazing to watch. My task as an event photographer is to catch a glimpse of that world.
I have had the absolute honour and pleasure of seeing these events firsthand over the years. My goal is always to capture the essence of the event. It’s not just the dance that tells the story - there is a whole lot more. Feedback is always welcome. Do you think I captured the essence? Let me know your thoughts. When I asked Dana where I was allowed to go for the pictures, her answer was, “Anywhere you want.” She had no idea that she created the basis for a photography event that I will treasure as one of my most cherished assignments in fifty-five years of photography. Look into the eyes of the people in the rest of this story, I am sure that you too will become a passionate admirer.
One final note. This is a massive collection of pictures that can’t be done in one sitting. Additionally, it will be a work in progress. Come back often.
Before the Show
The B&W Images
Before The Recital
Primary Dancers
Beginner Novice Group
The Seniors
Sailing Home
Whenever I photograph an event, it is easier to tell the story when I focus on individuals. This was no different. The challenge was that each of the dancers had a story. Each is special in their way. I could not highlight all of them. I apologize to the ones not highlighted. You were all special. Come back to this section often as I will be adding to their stories.
Arlynn and Everleigh
As a result of the success of the first book, BWL Publishers have engaged me to write the second book, “The Passion and Purpose of Ordinary People.”
There was so much passion in this dance group that I decided to include the Passion of the dancers. None have better exemplified passion than these two young ladies, Arlynn and Everleigh. One does not have to go far for that evidence. Just read the Facebook post that their mother, Lauren, wrote recently - printed with permission, of course.
I want to take a quick minute and give everyone a quick story about my girls.
Last year on this same weekend, My girls begged me and begged me to take them to the Fergus Highland games so they could see real Highland dancers and Highland coos. They missed their Scottish family so much (especially Liam and Connor) and they used this as an excuse to want to go because it reminded them of their boys.
The girls were slightly interested in dancing before.. however, I was hesitant to enroll them because we were dealing with some new diagnosis and some anxieties with change at home.
So my parents agreed to come, so we packed up the kids and away we went to the Fergus games.
The weather wasn't the best, but they sat there for hours watching the boys and girls competing. After day one of the Fergus games the girls got the dancing bug and became determined to join. To the point where they were incredibly annoying... They wanted to be on that stage so bad!
Everleigh looked over at me and said, quite confidently
"Mom, one day, I WILL be on that stage dancing with them"
While waiting to park on day two, the girls became extremely persistent about joining. Just then, almost on que, a car pulled up beside us that was covered in a purple tartan with a logo of Pride of Stewart highland dancers. I told the girls that if that car is from a studio that's in Durham region, I would contact them but I didn't want to hear any more of it for the rest of the day.
Well it turns out Pride of Stewart was in Durham Region, in Whitby.
After one email with Dana, I knew this would be the right fit for my girls. She was encouraging, supportive, friendly and funny and we bonded right away.
The girls started dancing in September.
I truly believe that this is the best decision I've ever made for my girls, especially for Everleigh. Her confidence has grown, she's completely come out of her shell, she loves to entertain and make people laugh. She even danced her way onto the jumbo tron at a Jays game!
They've competed in some competitions along the way and they've even won some medals!
The point of this long-worded story...This weekend is the Fergus Highland games... And this weekend, exactly a year later, both my girls are competing with Pride of Stewart.
In only one year, my girls have made their dreams come true. I can't believe how much my girls have grown in one year and how much they've learned, the friendships that they've made and the growth that they've done.
Everleigh woke up so early this morning because she is so excited to leave. All she cares about is being able to dance on the stage with her friends. She doesn't really care about the medals yet.. she just wants to spend time and dance (hopefully at the same time) with some of the amazing girls (and the newest cutest little boy).
I'm so thankful for Dana and Jenn, the dance moms/families, the amazing dancers and all the kids...and I'm especially thankful for finding that little purple Tartan car
Good luck to all the dancers this weekend... And please excuse me if you see me crying, I'm just so proud of them.
The only thing to add - Everleigh : sweet, rule follower, sentimental and full of empathy
Arlynn - marches to the best of her own drum. Very literal and has an answer for everything. Sassy but has a huge heart.
Fiona
Hannah and Samantha
Jillian
Sophie
Tillie
The Team
(Heart & Soul)
