SPECIAL TO VIEWAlexis Brimhall is one of the dancers who will perform at a Highland dance recital in honor of Nevada Scottish Heritage Month on Jan. 26 at the Clark County Library.
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In honor of Nevada Scottish Heritage Month, members of the Las Vegas Highland Dance Association will ofwfer community members a glimpse of Scottish culture with a Highland dance recital at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.
"Highland dance is not something that is well-known in the valley, although it is in other places where the Scottish population is larger," association president Nola Patterson said. "A lot of people get it confused with Irish dance, but they're completely different. The movement, the garb, the cultural particulars are very different."
According to Patterson, Highland dancers perform in kilts and a ballet-type shoe called a gilley. Choreography is similar to ballet.
"There is a lot of hopping and ballet positions in the genre of dance," Patterson said. "The history of the art is that military men in Scotland once did calisthenics to prepare for battle and stay in shape, and the dance sort of grew out of that."
Dances will include a number called the Fling and performers dancing over swords.
"Each of the dances has a cultural significance, which will be explained at the event," Patterson said. "We want to share our culture and help people learn about something new. That's why we're doing this."
The event will feature 15 dancers from beginner to professional level, along with local bagpipe and drums band, Desert Sky.
Dancer Alexis Brimhall said she has been learning about the craft for the past eight years and hopes that the community will support the group's effort.
"I think people can expect to be educated and entertained," Brimhall said. "There will be lots of great music, and you can learn about another culture. We want people to come see what Scottish dancing is all about."
Admission is free. To find out more, call 507-3400.
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