the CelticSpirit Dance Co - background

The CelticSpirit Dance Co was formed in 1995 by 10 times World Champions Deryck & Gareth Mitchelson.

The drive behind the formation of the group was to bring together aspects from the traditional forms of Scottish (and in particular Highland) dancing and to present it in a new and exciting way. This did not mean ignoring the traditional dances but instead changed the focus to ensure that the character and emotions so deeply rooted in Scottish dance are brought to the forefront of every performance, thus achieving wider appeal than a more traditional approach might accomplish.

The group's repertoire includes not only traditional steps and dances but also many specially choreographed pieces.

As CelticSpirit’s programme continues to evolve, so the group’s dancer line-up continues to change. Dancers are sourced in the main from the world of Highland Dancing, but are selected not on the basis of their competitive achievements but more importantly of their ability to perform (however the competitive achievements of the Dance with Fire troupe are considerable to say the least including Scottish, South African, Canadian & World Champions). In addition to dancers from Scotland, the ‘Dance with Fire’ team includes dancers from Sweden, South Africa and Canada – most notably 10 times World Champion COLLEEN RINTAMAKI.

Central to the process of putting together a performance, and in particular when creating new pieces, is the understanding of the inseparable link between music and dance. Great attention is given to ensuring that at all times the dance movements and music compliment one another. In this respect the CelticSpirit Dance Co has benefited to an almost immeasurable extent through its connections with the Scottish band 'The Cutting Edge', of which Deryck is a key member through the commissioning of new pieces to attain a thoroughly modern Scottish sound, complementing every mood change and helping to visibly narrate the feeling within the dance.

Deryck & Gareth are proud of their Scottish roots - this pride is no more evident than in the dancers' costumes. Tartan forms the basis for almost all of the outfits, which include current interpretation of traditional Scottish dress together with a new look for the girls of tight fitting body suits and mini-kilts which bring a modern but modestly sexy look to the group.

The Dance with Fire concert has been ‘warming up’ for several years now. From our early performances in Mayfest (a Glasgow arts festival which sadly no longer takes place) through various concerts and participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme we have continued to develop new work. A meeting with Colleen in Aberdeen earlier this year followed by discussions with Mr Ronnie Cairns (Cowal Gathering) convinced us that there would be no better time or venue to put on our concert that during the weekend of the World Highland Dancing Championships in Dunoon.