Step into Tradition: Experience the Heartbeat of Cape Breton Culture!

Dance Classes at St. Mary's Parish Hall and Beinn Mhàbu campus

For More Info Visit: www.capebretonstepdance.com

Phone: 902-756-2450 | Email: bretonshirefarms@gmail.com

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The Mabou School of Cape Breton Step Dance is a vibrant week of learning, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique step dance tradition of the region. This esteemed event offers a gateway into the rich tapestry of Cape Breton culture, providing students of all ages with the opportunity to learn and master the art of step dancing from some of the most skilled and passionate instructors in the community.

Monday - Friday
(9:30 am - 10:30 am) - Dance Classes at St. Mary's Parish Hall and Beinn Mhàbu campus
(10:50 am - 11:50 am) - Dance Classes at St. Mary's Parish Hall and Beinn Mhàbu campus
(2:00 pm - 2:20 pm) - Cultural Talk at Beinn Mhàbu campus
(2:30 pm - 3:30 pm) - Instruction in Cape Breton set dancing at Beinn Mhàbu campus

Host Step Dance Instructors

• Melody Cameron - Melody will be instructing from Monday to Friday.

• Jenny MacKenzie - Jenny will be instructing from Monday to Friday. 

​Guest Step Dance Instructors:

• Cheryl MacQuarrie - Monday, July 22nd 

• Dawn Beaton - Tuesday, July 23rd

• Gerard Beaton - Wednesday, July 24th

• Harvey Beaton- Thursday, July 25th

• John Pellerin - Friday, July 26th

Guest Speakers:

• Monday presentation will feature a discussion and tunes led by Shelly Campbell and Allan Dewar.  Following Shelly and Allan's discussion, there will be instruction in the Inverness County Square Set by Melody Cameron.  Shelly and Allan will provide the music for this square set workshop.

• Tuesday will feature instruction in the Sydney Square Set by Hilary Romard with assistance by Neil Poirier.  Both Hilary and Neil are very knowledgeable in square sets that are danced around the island.  Music for this workshop will be provided by Dawn Beaton.  

• Wednesday presentation will feature Hannah Krebs.  Hannah will give some background history on the Gaels and will demonstrate and teach some puirt à beul (mouth music) and then sing a few tunes for students to dance to. 

• Thursday will feature a presentation and instruction in the Cheticamp Square Set by Neil Poirier with assistance by Hilary Romard.  Both Hilary and Neil are very knowledgeable in square sets that are danced around the island.  Music for this workshop will be provided by Kyle MacDonald.  

• Friday presentation will be by Kevin Dugas and John Pellerin.  They will speak on and demonstrate Cape Breton's piping and fiddling traditions and will discuss how piping is connected to Cape Breton's fiddle, step dance and Gaelic song traditions.  After their presentation, they will play some tunes for the students to dance the Scotch Four.