Dance Legacies of Scotland
Dance Legacies of Scotland: the True Glen Orchy Kick, a book Jen worked on for several years with Mats Melin, was published by Routledge on December 31, 2020. The paperback edition is now available. More information about the book is available on the Routledge web site. Information about this book is also available on Mats’s Lorg Press website.
Step Dancing Classes
Scottish emigrant communities in Nova Scotia have been dancing a percussive dance form, now known as Cape Breton step dancing, since the early 19th century. Cape Breton steps can be performed solo or integrated into social set dances. Beginner to advanced dancers of all ages are invited to attend. Boston is one of the few places outside Nova Scotia to hold regular dances and even has its own distinctive set. This dance style is enjoyed and performed by men, women, and children of all ages. Come be part of a very unique dance tradition! Rates are: drop-in at $20/class; wear comfortable clothing and bring hard-soled dance shoes. Mary MacGillivray teaches basic step foundations and I teach complex combinations for more experienced dancers. When scheduled, we hold classes at the Canadian American Club, 202 Arlington St., Watertown, MA.
Highland Dancing Classes
Highland Dance is an athletic dance form fusing the rhythmic attack of dynamic footwork with the strength of balletic line. My classes offer a unique approach to the artistry and history of this demanding dance form. Please reach out to me if you are interested in lessons, which I offer on a private and small class-sized basis.
Other local events:
Dance Cèilidhs
The Canadian American Club in Watertown, MA will be hosting a series of Dance Cèilidhs on the 2nd Sunday of each month. The first will take place on Sunday, March 10 from 2:00–6:00 pm. Fun, accessible Scottish dances and Mabou Sets (Cape Breton social dancing) will be on the program. Will be an afternoon of great energy! Feel free to come for all, or drop in for any part, of the time. Admission will be $10 / $5 students & kids; snacks to share are also appreciated.
Gaelic Club
The Boston Gaelic Club is back in session! The Boston Gaelic Club meets every third Sunday from September through June at the Canadian American Club in Watertown, MA. An open mic session usually featuring instrumentalists and Gaelic singers starts at 3:30 pm. It’s a fun, family-friendly gathering. Arrive at 3:00 pm to learn a chorus to a Gaelic song that we’ll sing together at the open mic!
ESCape Session at Pinewoods
The English/Scottish/Contra session at Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth will take place from July 1–5 in 2024. It offers classes in English Country, Scottish Country, and Contra dancing plus evening dances where these all come together! Jen will be teaching Scottish Country dancing as well as stretching and strengthening classes. Come enjoy your favorite dance forms while perhaps sampling something new in this fun and friendly session.
Scottish Session at Pinewoods
The woods of Plymouth make a magical setting for Scottish dancing beneath the tall pines. Jen is very pleased to be offering daily conditioning and dance principles of Scottish Country Dancing classes for the 2024 session. In the Scottish Pinewoods sessions, dance and music classes are offered every day while there is a dance party every night, plus after-parties, auctions, and cèilidhs.
Teachers Association of Canada Summer School
Jen is truly looking forward to taking part in the TAC Summer School session this year.
Jen Schoonover is a dancer and choreographer. She teaches movement principles and dance modalities including Cape Breton Step, Highland, Ceilidh, and Scottish Country dancing. In 2017, Jen apprenticed with Step dancers Mary MacGillivray and Judy McKenzie through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. A book Jen cowrote with Mats Melin, Dance Legacies of Scotland: The True Glen Orchy Kick, detailing the history of Scottish percussive dancing, was recently published by Routledge.
For more information, please contact 617-901-7649 or outrageoussocks [at] gmail.com.