Foot-tapping summer school makes welcome return

After a hiatus of three years, there was excitement about the return of a ‘live’ Ceòlas Summer School on South Uist.

 

"attachment_759061" "" "300"] Nana Mzhavanadze led the Georgian harmonic workshops.

 

As well as classes and concerts, there were other events throughout the week including walks, a boat trip, a square dance and Georgian harmonic singing workshops led by Nana Mzhavanadze.

 

Most of the classes were held in the fantastic new building ‘Cnoc Soilleir’ with

 

Ceòlas ‘regulars’ delighted to see this long-held aspiration being realised. The classes were all well attended, as were the nightly concerts, which were hugely enjoyed by everyone.

 

"attachment_759058" "" "180"] Jayne MacLeod from Ness on the Isle of Lewis demonstrates step dancing.

 

The midweek concert featured guests from Cape Breton, the MacDonald brothers with Kimberley Fraser and Cathy Ann MacPhee and Gerard Beaton who all brought the crowd to their feet with a standing ovation.

 

Artistic director Iain MacDonald said: 'We were absolutely delighted to be back and

 

making use of our new premises.

 

'The new space worked well and the two teams of ladies who organised the hospitality did a brilliant job keeping everyone fed in good time and with good humour. The Ceòlas staff team did a fantastic job organising a successful summer school and we look forward to the next one.'

 

The feedback from Ceòlas students and guests said it all:

 

'I can probably never repay the kindness I've been shown by Ceolas Uist and

 

the Uibhistich. I'm deeply, deeply grateful.'

 

'...but the beautiful, impromptu Gaidhlig singing session as we overlooked South

 

Lochboisdale... just sublime.'

 

'Thank you Ceolas Uist for the best week of step dancing, singing, Gaelic learning,

 

music and cake.'

 

'Just about recovered from my first Ceòlas! Supportive and patient tutors and

 

staff at the fabulous new base Cnoc Soilleir made it a fun and interesting week of

 

Gaelic immersion. The sessions, events and concerts throughout the week kept

 

everyone mingling and by Friday, I'm fairly certain everyone just about knew

 

everyone else. Taing mhòr dhuibh uile.'

 

"attachment_759055" "" "300"] Music and dance were the order of the day at Ceolas Summer School.

 

Main Photograph: Archie McAllister and Sileas Sinclair performed during the week-long event. NO_T32_CeòlasSummerSchool_Archie McAllister & Sileas Sinclair

 

Extra pics

 

Nana Mzhavanadze led the Georgian harmonic workshops. NO_T32_CeòlasSummerSchool_Nana Mzhavanadze

 

Jayne MacLeod from Ness on the Isle of Lewis demonstrates step dancing. NO_T32_CeòlasSummerSchool_Jayne MacLeod

 

Music and dance were the order of the day at Ceolas Summer School. NO_T32_CeòlasSummerSchool_dancing