In 1749, the City of Alexandria was officially established by three Scottish merchants and named after its original founder, John Alexander, also of Scottish descent. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage as evidenced by the upcoming spectacular performance of Scottish music and dance, Highland Echoes!
Founder and show producer Jennifer Licko began competitive Scottish Highland Dancing when she was 11, and now she is bringing champion dancers on stage with the magic of musical arrangements by both Pat Mangan (Riverdance) and Bob Noble (notable for his world tours and work with Cliff Richard and A-ha)
There is no doubt that the Scots are a people of love and pride for their land. If you watch the hit TV show Outlander, then you have some insight about the passion the Scots hold for their country.
After the battle of Culloden in 1746, the British government approved an act of Parliament which meant many of the Scottish traditions were considered a penal offense. The act was repealed in 1785 — almost an entire generation of Highlanders who were not allowed to honor their own culture. This history intensifies these 5 reasons to get excited about attending The Highland Echoes Show!
1. Highland Dancing
The Highland Fling was traditionally danced by men as a celebration of a battle won. To see this stationary dance in its entirety will make you appreciate the strength and stamina, It takes to be a highland dancer. Highland dances are typically danced solo and in competition - where men and women compete equally. One study showed that a half-hour of dancing was equal to a game of soccer. The dancers in Highland Echoes are champion dancers that portray both grace and stamina during their performance of traditional steps with modern choreographies and costumes.
2. The Kilts & the Tartan
If Sean Connery showed the world anything, he proved that preserving the highland culture and executing it by wearing a kilt is beyond cool!
The truth is that the kilt is a historical piece of clothing that has stood the test of time for warmth, comfort, and durability. In the Highlands of Scotland, the kilt traditionally became synonymous with the symbol of clan kinship. Highland Echoes, audience members are encouraged to wear their tartan with pride. The tartan will be seen on stage in both the traditional kilt form and in a modern dress!
3. The Great Highland Bagpipe
The highland bagpipe was named as an instrument of war and also banned for nearly half a century in the 1700s. The Scottish themed show just wouldn't be the same without Highland Bagpipes! The Highland Echoes piper, Bill Caudill is the Director of Scottish Heritage Center at St. Andrews University in North Carolina. If you love the sound of pipe bands marching down the street, then you are in for a treat with Bill's piping integration into traditional and modern forms of music using both the Scottish small pipes and the Great Highland Bagpipe.
4. Scots Gaelic
Scots Gaelic is a language that is at risk of extinction sadly because it illuminates such history and culture. When you lose a language, you lose a culture. Highland Echoes presents a few iconic types of music in Scots Gaelic, including the Gaelic Work songs and dance music. It's quite rare to hear these in Scotland, much less in the United States. Most of the songs are in English and represent some well-loved Scottish ballads, but it's very unique to also experience the culture through these fun, upbeat and eclectic traditional Scots Gaelic songs.
5. American History
It is no secret that many Highlanders settled in our great country and influenced much of our music and dance. What is quite incredible is how many Americans have such a strong connection to Scotland even after the mass immigration over 300 years ago. This lineage is well defined, and Highland Echoes represents the influences specifically in the Appalachian and Cape Breton cultures through various parts of the music and dance in the show.
Get your tartan dress ready, grab a few friends, and come out to experience a night of Scotland with Highland Echoes!
Highland Echoes will be performing at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311 on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.highlandechoes.com/tour or by calling 910-338-0787.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to promote the Scottish culture and traditions for future generations, Highland Echoes also offers a limited number of free tickets to Alexandria City Public Schools. Please check with your school to find out how to obtain these tickets or email info@highlandechoes.com
