5 (I think)
Not sure. I can't remember ever being young and not dancing!
Wilma Tolmie. No current teacher - I have retired from competitive dance.
1985 at Cowal Gathering in Dunoon.
I won the Juvenile World Championship for the first time. My brother, Gareth, won the Adults.
It was torrential rain that year. I danced the Fling and Swords outside before being shuttled down to the Queens hall for the Seann Truibhas and Reel.
The swords was great fun. The rain was bouncing back up from the stage. The sawdust was getting thrown up with every pas de basque.
Mum asked, "You didn't hit the sword?" I replied, "No idea, my feet are numb with the cold and I couldn't see the sword!"
Strathpeffer Gathering
This is a gorgeous Highland setting; the sun always seemed to shine.
Highland dancing was a big part of the gathering, I was made so welcome every time. It's nice to compete at an event (rather than a championship) with no pressure where you can really enjoy yourself.
Performing with the Celtic Spirit dance group in Glasgow for Mayfest. We wanted to do something slightly different from anything we had previously performed. I believe that we achieved this - it was great fun. I got the chance to also write the music for our part of the show which my band The Cutting Edge performed for us.
I have always loved the Highland Fling. You can't disguise any mistakes. Dance on the spot, the judge can see the whole performance - technique, deportment, and style! Cool!
Various moments:
There was an occasion at Halkirk games (very North of Scotland) where I was totally psyched up for the swords. Marion Clow from Edinburgh was judging. She was always fair to me if I danced well. My brother Gareth had just danced a fantastic swords and I had to follow. First quarter of the first step was going well - I elevated for a big extended high cut - too big! A rather large gust of wind had blown at the same time and as I was coming down to land I saw the stage move further and further away from me. Yep, landed, rather clumsily, on the grass. Grinned at the judge before walking off!
Another occasion springs to mind at Durness games - the first time I had competed there. This was one of the "old games"; the dancers didn't wear numbers on their kilts but told the judges their name. It was only a small adult group of around a dozen. When I had to done to register at the start of the competition the judge informed me that she use to dance with my mum. She talked about keeping up to date with the families dancing successes in the newspaper.
On completing the fling, she called the dancers across for the result and announced that it would be in reverse order. 6th place in the fling - Deryck Mitchelson. Before I had the chance to enter the platform she added "Only joking he is first of course!". I just wanted to be swallowed up by a big whole in the ground.
Dancing Dynasty - by Loraine Ritchey
Highland Highlights - by Loraine Ritchey
SOBHD election manifesto
The Cutting Edge - Scotlands best folk band!
Have you won a championship? Would you like to submit a profile for inclusion on the website?
Please click here to provide feedback. |
|
See STV's interview
