Celtic Wish

The Amethyst Scottish Dancers of Nova Scotia host their major fundraising show, Celtic Wish, today in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Recently we spoke with one of the troupe’s dancers, Olivia Furlong.

What is your own heritage?
My background is a mixture of Scottish, Irish and Spanish.

When and why did you get involved with the Amethyst Scottish Dancers?
I’ve been doing highland dance since I was seven. I got involved with Amethyst Scottish dancers two years ago because I heard it was a lot of fun and a great experience from some other dancers I knew.

What do you like most about it?
I like being with the other dancers and learning new choreographies.

What do you find challenging about it?
The most challenging part about being in Amethyst is memorizing the dances and making those quick costume changes during a show.

What do your family and friends think of your involvement?
My family is very supportive and they come to watch the shows. They’re proud of me. My friends don’t say too much but I think they would enjoy the shows.

What has your experience with the troupe dancers been like?
The other dancers are very kind. We help each other backstage with hair, makeup and costumes when we are doing everything very quickly. I’ve made good friends with girls of different ages from all over the city. I’ve learned a lot from them.

Where have you performed?
We’ve performed all over Halifax including Kilted Christmas at the Rebecca Cohn, our Tartan Day show last year, on the cruise ships that come into town, at City Hall, for conferences and A Celtic Christmas with the Diaga Dancers this year. We also compete every year as a troupe at the BATD in May. Last year we won the Rose Bowl, a very prestigious prize!

What has the response been like?
We always get a great response and a lot of people want us to teach them a few steps after they see us perform!

Will you keep pursuing it?
Yes, I think I will continue dancing for as long as possible.

Celtic Wish
Sunday, March 2, 2014. 2pm & 8pm
Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, NS
www.amethystscottishdancersns.ca/upcoming-events.html