The V in Vernon is for Volunteers
I’ve lived in Vernon long enough to know that it has a rich history of volunteer organizations that have shaped this community. Celtic tradition is no exception and the traditions brought to Vernon from Scotland continue today. Vernon has become a well known venue for piping, drumming, dancing, curling, and, yes, to whisky as well.
Sons of Scotland Kildonnan Camp celebrated its 75th Birthday last year, and on Saturday, Feb, 22, the organization will be hosting a Highland Dancing Competition at Trinity United Church.
You might be surprised to learn that Highland Dancing originated as an all male military activity.
In Scotland, various dances were performed by soldiers, and the dances often celebrated military victories. The Highland Fling is perhaps the best known dance and is thought to replicate a dance performed on the shield of an opponent. Precision footwork is essential.
The sword dance is believed to have been a dance that would help a soldier prepare for battle, allowing an opportunity to develop agility, conditioning and precision in movement. If in practise before a battle, the soldier touched one of the crossed sword, it was considered a bad omen.
The Sean Truibhas – pronounced “shawn troos” – was a dance to celebrate the shaking off of the trousers. At one time, Scots were banned by the English from wearing the kilt. The dance show movements similar to shaking off trousers. When the dancer claps, it is a signal that the trousers are off and the dance carries on with a Highland Fling.
In more recent times Highland Dancing has been available to men and women, boys and girls. There are opportunities to perform solo or as a group. In Vernon frequently Highland Dancers have performed at Burns Night Suppers, at the Okanagan Military Tattoo and St. Andrew's Night. In fact the highlights of most performances is a chance to watch the Highland Dancers, usually a combination of beginners to advanced performers.
Sons of Scotland have organized the Vernon Highland Dance Competition since 1978. It was started by Margaret McGillivray and Jack Lucas. Margaret’s husband, Jim, was also Chief of Sons of Scotland in the early years.
Elaine Lis and Sharon Lundquist, members of Sons of Scotland, began volunteering about thirty-six years ago to organize the competition when their daughters, Janet and Renee, were beginning Highland Dancers.
Five young dancers from Vernon travelled to Kelowna twice a week for instruction at Lori Larsen’s Studio in Kelowna. Parents did what parents needed to do. They formed a car pool and shared the driving. Included in the group was dancer Heidi White.
Sharon and Elaine continue to spearhead the organization of the Dance Competition, supported also by Interior Highland Dance Association, and other Sons of Scotland members. During her tenure, Elaine became president of the Interior Highland Dance Association for two years. Elaine's daughter, Janet Hackman, continued to dance and in fact at one time was a dance instructor in her own Argyll Dance Studio.
Kudos to all volunteers in Vernon and other areas that help keep traditions alive, whether it is sport, music, the arts and of course dance. Many of the local dancers performing this Saturday will be from the Aviemore School of Dance in Vernon. To find out more about Aviemore and Sons of Scotland, check out their posts on Facebook.
Interior Highland Dance Association also has a presence on Facebook.
This is a great time to be a Canadian. For hockey fans, we have an opportunity to watch the Four Nations Cup. In Vernon, another successful Winter Carnival has wrapped up, and thanks to a large group of volunteers who support our community, there is always a lot happening.
Vernon’s Highland Dance Competition, sponsored by Sons of Scotland & Interior Highland Dance Association, Saturday, Feb. 22, at Trinity United Church from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and 12-years-old and under are free. Keeping in mind that everyone likes a deal, the family/group rate is $25. If you come in a group of six or more your group price is still $25.
Tom Skinner is a member of the Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band
