Close to the Floor
When
Occurs on
Wednesday October 15 2025
Approximate running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Venue
Event Notes
×
Ticket Price: $45 Showtime: 7:30PM
In the world of Cape Breton step dancing, being “close to the floor” is about more than technique. It is a way of dancing that keeps the feet light, the movements grounded, and the rhythm tight to the music. It’s also a compliment of the highest order. This annual showcase of dance celebrates that powerful connection between music and movement. A Timeless Art delights audiences with their incredible footwork, high-energy performances, and very intentional creative works. Under the direction of Dawn Beaton and Jenny MacKenzie, this collective of professional dancers honours Gaelic Cape Breton step dance culture through storytelling, visual arts, exploration, mentorship, and performance. Formed by a dynamic group of world-class and award-winning dancers from Nova Scotia and Ontario, Change of Step came together with a shared vision to breathe new life into traditional highland dancing. They perform original choreography rooted in Scottish tradition yet shaped by modern influences. Through interpretation of the music that inspires them to dance, their exciting performances showcase the musicality, grace, and athleticism of highland dancing. Providing the soundtrack tonight are three duos with deep roots in traditional music—fiddler and piano player Howie MacDonald and his nephew Iain MacQuarrie, a piano player with a love for Scottish tunes and an old-style step dance background; Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, respected artists in both traditional and folk circles; and Sèamus & Caoimhe, a brother-sister duo from the Connemara area of Ireland known as skilful sean-nós singing and accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Good luck sitting still through this concert where music becomes movement and movement becomes music.
Hosted by Chesitco Museum and Historical Society
Artists
In the world of Cape Breton step dancing, being “close to the floor” is about more than technique. It is a way of dancing that keeps the feet light, the movements grounded, and the rhythm tight to the music. It’s also a compliment of the highest order. This annual showcase of dance celebrates that powerful connection between music and movement. A Timeless Art delights audiences with their incredible footwork, high-energy performances, and very intentional creative works. Under the direction of Dawn Beaton and Jenny MacKenzie, this collective of professional dancers honours Gaelic Cape Breton step dance culture through storytelling, visual arts, exploration, mentorship, and performance. Formed by a dynamic group of world-class and award-winning dancers from Nova Scotia and Ontario, Change of Step came together with a shared vision to breathe new life into traditional highland dancing. They perform original choreography rooted in Scottish tradition yet shaped by modern influences. Through interpretation of the music that inspires them to dance, their exciting performances showcase the musicality, grace, and athleticism of highland dancing. Providing the soundtrack tonight are three duos with deep roots in traditional music—fiddler and piano player Howie MacDonald and his nephew Iain MacQuarrie, a piano player with a love for Scottish tunes and an old-style step dance background; Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, respected artists in both traditional and folk circles; and Sèamus & Caoimhe, a brother-sister duo from the Connemara area of Ireland known as skilful sean-nós singing and accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Good luck sitting still through this concert where music becomes movement and movement becomes music.
Hosted by Chesitco Museum and Historical Society
Artists
- A Timeless Art
- Kenneth MacKenzie
- Change Of Step
- Howie MacDonald
- Iain MacQuarrie
- Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen
- Sèamus & Caoimheie
Please Note: Artists and events subject to change without notice.