Tell us a bit about where the idea for Srathspè Away came from?
Dannsa had been asked many times, whilst touring, to consider offering workshops in the Highlands and Islands, and indeed elsewhere, but because of restrictions of ferries, travel times etc this proved to be very difficult so we looked at how we might overcome the situation. Around that time 2 new venues opened in Kingussie (Dannsa's base); The Badenoch Centre and Talla nan Ros. These allowied us to consider running a Dance festival since we already had a number of venues with good dance floors such as the local hotels and schools.
What type of people attend the festival?
People seem happy to travel from all over Scotland o attend our festival. We have a huge number of return visitors and our doors are always open to welcome new faces.
The workshops available have varied over the past few years and now include hip hop and flamenco alongside traditional Scottish dancing. Can you tell us a bit about this?
Our main focus is on Traditional dance and it still remains the reason that most people come to the festival, however we do like to offer a varied programme each year and have responded to feedback from our participants.
How important is the language to the festival?
Dannsa are especially keen in making a contribution to the Gaelic language, either through promotional material, through the use of Gaidhlig song and welcoming and introducing items within concerts. Srathspè Away 2008 will offer classes in Gaelic and Puirt a Beul, many of our tutors and volunteers use and promote the use of Gaelic
What do you love about dancing?
Dancing ticks the boxes in so many areas I wouldn't know where to begin! All I can say to people out there is....."You know you want to"......See you in Kingussie!