Melody Cameron - Host Dance Instructor
Melody Cameron is an accomplished Cape Breton style step dancer and fiddler with over 40 years of dance experience. From a young age, she performed and taught with her sister Kelly at venues throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Western Newfoundland. Through the 1980's, they appeared four times on ATV television's "Up Home Tonight" and were filmed for a BBC documentary "Down Home". Towards the late 1980's, they were part of the group "Highland Classic". Other members of that group included Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, Wendy MacIsaac, Rodney MacDonald, Stephanie Wills and Jackie Dunn. In the spring of 1998, Melody worked as a choreographer for The Rankins, one of Canada's foremost folk groups. In 2005 Melody and Kelly danced on The Rankin Sisters' televised Christmas special, "Home for Christmas" which aired on Canada's Bravo! network.
Melody and her husband Derrick are very active in Cape Breton’s traditional music and dance scene. They perform music together for dances, pubs, concerts and festivals throughout Cape Breton Island, Ontario and the New England States and have taught workshops and performed at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, Scotland in 2010 and at the Barga School of Scots Music, Song and Dance in Italy in 2016 and 2017. Melody and Derrick served as board members of Comunn Féis Mhàbu from 2004 to 2016. This Mabou based organization worked to support both children and adults in their pursuits to learn more about Cape Breton's Gaelic culture through various programs and events. Melody and Derrick are currently board members of West Mabou Development Association. This non-profit association hosts one of Cape Breton’s longest running square dances, The West Mabou Family Dance, which features some of Cape Breton’s finest traditional musicians and has been offering weekly square dances for all ages since 1988. Another recent dance event for Melody was a trip to Quebec City to teach workshops with fellow instructors Nic Gareiss, Normand Legault, Michel Bordeleau (foot tapping) and Pierre Chartrand for Danse traditionnelle Québec in the fall of 2018. Melody was invited by Irish sean nos dancer Edwina Guckian to do online performance and step dance instruction in April of 2021 for the Leitrim Dance Project based in Ireland.
One of Melody’s more recent dance related activities has been to help establish Dance Dialects. Since 2017, this unique and informative event is hosted by West Mabou Development Association in association with Celtic Colours International Festival and is held in October at West Mabou Hall. Dance Dialects is an exploration of different percussive dance styles. It features discussion and performances by local and visiting dancers and allows for some audience participation. Some of Dance Dialects past guests include Edwina Guckian, Dominic Desrochers, Mary Frances MacMaster Leahy, Emma O'Sullivan, Pierre Chartrand, John Pellerin, Mac Morin, Nic Gareiss and April Verch.
In the summer of 2017, Melody started the Mabou School of Cape Breton Step Dance featuring some of Cape Breton’s finest instructors and a series of presentations focusing on step dance related topics. This week of step dance and set dance instruction was repeated in 2018 and 2019. It was not possible to offer the school in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, but Melody was pleased to offer a week of dance and music in August of 2022 and July 2023 and 2024. She will offer the school again in 2025.
The goals for the school are not only to offer high quality dance instruction, but also to give a well rounded Mabou, Cape Breton experience.
Melody Cameron is an accomplished Cape Breton style step dancer and fiddler with over 40 years of dance experience. From a young age, she performed and taught with her sister Kelly at venues throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Western Newfoundland. Through the 1980's, they appeared four times on ATV television's "Up Home Tonight" and were filmed for a BBC documentary "Down Home". Towards the late 1980's, they were part of the group "Highland Classic". Other members of that group included Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, Wendy MacIsaac, Rodney MacDonald, Stephanie Wills and Jackie Dunn. In the spring of 1998, Melody worked as a choreographer for The Rankins, one of Canada's foremost folk groups. In 2005 Melody and Kelly danced on The Rankin Sisters' televised Christmas special, "Home for Christmas" which aired on Canada's Bravo! network.
Melody and her husband Derrick are very active in Cape Breton’s traditional music and dance scene. They perform music together for dances, pubs, concerts and festivals throughout Cape Breton Island, Ontario and the New England States and have taught workshops and performed at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, Scotland in 2010 and at the Barga School of Scots Music, Song and Dance in Italy in 2016 and 2017. Melody and Derrick served as board members of Comunn Féis Mhàbu from 2004 to 2016. This Mabou based organization worked to support both children and adults in their pursuits to learn more about Cape Breton's Gaelic culture through various programs and events. Melody and Derrick are currently board members of West Mabou Development Association. This non-profit association hosts one of Cape Breton’s longest running square dances, The West Mabou Family Dance, which features some of Cape Breton’s finest traditional musicians and has been offering weekly square dances for all ages since 1988. Another recent dance event for Melody was a trip to Quebec City to teach workshops with fellow instructors Nic Gareiss, Normand Legault, Michel Bordeleau (foot tapping) and Pierre Chartrand for Danse traditionnelle Québec in the fall of 2018. Melody was invited by Irish sean nos dancer Edwina Guckian to do online performance and step dance instruction in April of 2021 for the Leitrim Dance Project based in Ireland.
One of Melody’s more recent dance related activities has been to help establish Dance Dialects. Since 2017, this unique and informative event is hosted by West Mabou Development Association in association with Celtic Colours International Festival and is held in October at West Mabou Hall. Dance Dialects is an exploration of different percussive dance styles. It features discussion and performances by local and visiting dancers and allows for some audience participation. Some of Dance Dialects past guests include Edwina Guckian, Dominic Desrochers, Mary Frances MacMaster Leahy, Emma O'Sullivan, Pierre Chartrand, John Pellerin, Mac Morin, Nic Gareiss and April Verch.
In the summer of 2017, Melody started the Mabou School of Cape Breton Step Dance featuring some of Cape Breton’s finest instructors and a series of presentations focusing on step dance related topics. This week of step dance and set dance instruction was repeated in 2018 and 2019. It was not possible to offer the school in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, but Melody was pleased to offer a week of dance and music in August of 2022 and July 2023 and 2024. She will offer the school again in 2025.
The goals for the school are not only to offer high quality dance instruction, but also to give a well rounded Mabou, Cape Breton experience.
Jenny MacKenzie - Dance Instructor
Jenny has been dancing since as long as she can remember. Having been blessed to grow up in Cape Breton with a very musical extended family and coming from a long line of piping and dance traditions, she gained a thorough appreciation and love for Gaelic culture. She has worked as a professional dancer since 2005, touring and performing in musical theatre throughout Canada, the United States and the UK! Having the opportunity to perform with productions such as DRUM!, The Ships of 1801, Fileanta, Nuallan, Coastal Rhythms, Pogey, Nova Scotia Here and Now, The Beaton Sisters Band, Squid Precision Drummers, and many more, her love of performance has taken her far. Some favourite highlights include performances at The Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Parliament Hill on Canada Day, Massey Hall in Toronto and Dollywood Festival of Nations. As a dancer, choreographer, dance trainer, step dance teacher and yoga teacher she is now running her own business, Dannsair Fitness and Wellness in Inverness County and continues to contribute and surround herself in Gaelic culture. Jenny produced, wrote and directed a Gaelic short film, Slighe Agnais | A Journey For Agnes that premiered in November 2018.
Jenny has been dancing since as long as she can remember. Having been blessed to grow up in Cape Breton with a very musical extended family and coming from a long line of piping and dance traditions, she gained a thorough appreciation and love for Gaelic culture. She has worked as a professional dancer since 2005, touring and performing in musical theatre throughout Canada, the United States and the UK! Having the opportunity to perform with productions such as DRUM!, The Ships of 1801, Fileanta, Nuallan, Coastal Rhythms, Pogey, Nova Scotia Here and Now, The Beaton Sisters Band, Squid Precision Drummers, and many more, her love of performance has taken her far. Some favourite highlights include performances at The Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Parliament Hill on Canada Day, Massey Hall in Toronto and Dollywood Festival of Nations. As a dancer, choreographer, dance trainer, step dance teacher and yoga teacher she is now running her own business, Dannsair Fitness and Wellness in Inverness County and continues to contribute and surround herself in Gaelic culture. Jenny produced, wrote and directed a Gaelic short film, Slighe Agnais | A Journey For Agnes that premiered in November 2018.
Cheryl MacQuarrie -Dance Instructor
Cheryl grew up in Westmount, Cape Breton, always surrounded by music and traveling around the Island for concerts, ceilidhs, and dances. Coming from a musical household and family, it’s no wonder she took to dancing at a young age. Cheryl has taught and performed both at home and overseas, and led the way for many in special square dance workshops across Cape Breton. Now living in Mabou with her family, she is kept busy teaching regular classes for youth and introduced a new dance/exercise class to Inverness County called ‘Stepp’eroffasize.‘
Cheryl grew up in Westmount, Cape Breton, always surrounded by music and traveling around the Island for concerts, ceilidhs, and dances. Coming from a musical household and family, it’s no wonder she took to dancing at a young age. Cheryl has taught and performed both at home and overseas, and led the way for many in special square dance workshops across Cape Breton. Now living in Mabou with her family, she is kept busy teaching regular classes for youth and introduced a new dance/exercise class to Inverness County called ‘Stepp’eroffasize.‘
Abigail MacDonald - Dance Instructor
Abigail MacDonald is from St. Andrews, Antigonish County and grew up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture. Her father is a respected fiddler from a long line of musicians and tradition bearers. Abigail developed a love for music and dance at a young age. She is now a talented Gaelic singer, piano player, highland and step dancer. Abigail is a regular musician at ceilidhs and dances throughout and is an annual performer in the KitchenFest! music festival. She has participated in various community programs and learned from many skilled instructors over the years. Now living in her hometown of Antigonish, Abigail works as an occupational therapist, teaches piano chording lessons, and mentors youth through the Na Gaisgich Òga Gaelic program.
Abigail MacDonald is from St. Andrews, Antigonish County and grew up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture. Her father is a respected fiddler from a long line of musicians and tradition bearers. Abigail developed a love for music and dance at a young age. She is now a talented Gaelic singer, piano player, highland and step dancer. Abigail is a regular musician at ceilidhs and dances throughout and is an annual performer in the KitchenFest! music festival. She has participated in various community programs and learned from many skilled instructors over the years. Now living in her hometown of Antigonish, Abigail works as an occupational therapist, teaches piano chording lessons, and mentors youth through the Na Gaisgich Òga Gaelic program.
Nicole Deveau - Dance Instructor
Nicole Deveau is an Acadian singer-songwriter and dancer from Chéticamp. She has been sharing her pride in her culture through music for several years now. With the help of le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp as well as la Société Saint-Pierre, she loves passing on her love of music to others, young and old. She is the music teacher at her childhood school, École NDA, and is the proud owner of l’École de musique Raveston Music School in her hometown. Whether she’s on stage, in the classroom, or at a party, she enthusiastically shares the traditional music as well as her own compositions with people around her. She believes her ancestors built a great foundation for Acadian culture and music is the ideal way of sharing its values.
Nicole Deveau is an Acadian singer-songwriter and dancer from Chéticamp. She has been sharing her pride in her culture through music for several years now. With the help of le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp as well as la Société Saint-Pierre, she loves passing on her love of music to others, young and old. She is the music teacher at her childhood school, École NDA, and is the proud owner of l’École de musique Raveston Music School in her hometown. Whether she’s on stage, in the classroom, or at a party, she enthusiastically shares the traditional music as well as her own compositions with people around her. She believes her ancestors built a great foundation for Acadian culture and music is the ideal way of sharing its values.
John Pellerin - Dance Instructor
Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, John started dancing at age 4 and began fiddle lessons at the age of ten under the direction of Stan Chapman. John’s father Kenneth is a fiddle player who has played for dances for years in the Antigonish area as well his grandmother on his mother's side is a Beaton from the Mabou Coal Mines. Dancing and fiddling has brought John throughout Canada, USA and Ireland. John has played the fiddle and dance alongside Buddy MacMaster, Winnie Chafe, the late John Morris, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, among others.
Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, John started dancing at age 4 and began fiddle lessons at the age of ten under the direction of Stan Chapman. John’s father Kenneth is a fiddle player who has played for dances for years in the Antigonish area as well his grandmother on his mother's side is a Beaton from the Mabou Coal Mines. Dancing and fiddling has brought John throughout Canada, USA and Ireland. John has played the fiddle and dance alongside Buddy MacMaster, Winnie Chafe, the late John Morris, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, among others.
Gerard Beaton - Dance Instructor
Gerard has been involved with the Gaelic language, culture and dance from a very young age. He was born and raised in South West Mabou and began step dancing at the age of 5. He was fortunate to take lessons from great Cape Breton step dancers such as Mary Janet MacDonald, Rodney MacDonald, and many more. He still considers himself a student of step dancing; taking any opportunity to share, learn, and practice his steps with anyone and everyone. Gerard is a familiar figure at concerts throughout Inverness County and is also in much demand as a stepdance instructor throughout the Maritime provinces and, more recently, as an instructor at Ceòlas festival in Scotland. His studies in the Gaelic language followed him from Mabou Consolidated School through to the University level where he was also a very active member of the ST FX Celtic Society. Presently, Gerard finds himself living in Prince Edward Island working as a high school teacher and is looking forward to share some steps with us this summer!
Gerard has been involved with the Gaelic language, culture and dance from a very young age. He was born and raised in South West Mabou and began step dancing at the age of 5. He was fortunate to take lessons from great Cape Breton step dancers such as Mary Janet MacDonald, Rodney MacDonald, and many more. He still considers himself a student of step dancing; taking any opportunity to share, learn, and practice his steps with anyone and everyone. Gerard is a familiar figure at concerts throughout Inverness County and is also in much demand as a stepdance instructor throughout the Maritime provinces and, more recently, as an instructor at Ceòlas festival in Scotland. His studies in the Gaelic language followed him from Mabou Consolidated School through to the University level where he was also a very active member of the ST FX Celtic Society. Presently, Gerard finds himself living in Prince Edward Island working as a high school teacher and is looking forward to share some steps with us this summer!
Honourable Rodney MacDonald - Guest Speaker & Fiddler
Rodney MacDonald is an accomplished recording artist, composer, and step dancer. MacDonald comes from a family of musicians who are known for their traditional “Mabou Coal Mines” fiddle style, drive, compositions, and timing. His first recording, Dancer’s Delight, was followed by Traditionally Rockin’, recorded with his cousin Dr. Glenn Graham. He can also be heard on such compilations as the Smithsonian release, The Beaton Family of Mabou: Cape Breton Fiddle and Piano Music and the Celtic Traditional Lullabies From Our Cape Breton. A former Premier of Nova Scotia, Rodney MacDonald is a passionate advocate for Gaelic language and culture creating such organizations as the Nova Scotia Office of Gaelic Affairs and Cape Breton’s Kitchenfest! festival. He is the current President of Colaisde na Gaidhlig / The Gaelic College and Beinn Mhàbu. Rodney resides in Mabou, Cape Breton with his family and donates his time to numerous Boards and Charitable organizations.
Rodney MacDonald is an accomplished recording artist, composer, and step dancer. MacDonald comes from a family of musicians who are known for their traditional “Mabou Coal Mines” fiddle style, drive, compositions, and timing. His first recording, Dancer’s Delight, was followed by Traditionally Rockin’, recorded with his cousin Dr. Glenn Graham. He can also be heard on such compilations as the Smithsonian release, The Beaton Family of Mabou: Cape Breton Fiddle and Piano Music and the Celtic Traditional Lullabies From Our Cape Breton. A former Premier of Nova Scotia, Rodney MacDonald is a passionate advocate for Gaelic language and culture creating such organizations as the Nova Scotia Office of Gaelic Affairs and Cape Breton’s Kitchenfest! festival. He is the current President of Colaisde na Gaidhlig / The Gaelic College and Beinn Mhàbu. Rodney resides in Mabou, Cape Breton with his family and donates his time to numerous Boards and Charitable organizations.
Iain MacQuarrie - Piano Accompanist
Iain MacQuarrie is a piano player, fiddle player and step dancer who comes from a musical family. He first came on to the island traditional music scene as a step-dancer but is quickly making a name for himself as a fiddle player and a lively piano accompanist. He has a passion for the Cape Breton style and works tirelessly fine tuning his musical skills. Iain has performed at concerts, dances and house parties around the island and has been featured in Celtic Colours International Festival and KitchenFest! music festival.
Hilary Romard - Square Dance Instructor
Hilary Romard was born and raised in New Waterford, NS. At 42, he made the decision to stop playing intermediate hockey. Looking for a way to keep active, Hilary decided to take his first lesson in step dancing and has never looked back! In 2000, at the insistence of Elmer Fraser, Hilary finally attended a square set in Baddeck for Celtic Colors. He soon became a regular at square sets held throughout the Sydney area. In 2004, Hilary was approached by a group of ladies from the New Waterford area to teach them how to do a square set. This was the start of his weekly square set lessons which continue today. Learning a variety of sets from Hilary, the class visits and dances for various nursing homes and the international students at CBU. Hilary continues to take step dancing lessons and attends square sets and fiddle sessions whenever the opportunity arises...which is quite often!
Hilary Romard was born and raised in New Waterford, NS. At 42, he made the decision to stop playing intermediate hockey. Looking for a way to keep active, Hilary decided to take his first lesson in step dancing and has never looked back! In 2000, at the insistence of Elmer Fraser, Hilary finally attended a square set in Baddeck for Celtic Colors. He soon became a regular at square sets held throughout the Sydney area. In 2004, Hilary was approached by a group of ladies from the New Waterford area to teach them how to do a square set. This was the start of his weekly square set lessons which continue today. Learning a variety of sets from Hilary, the class visits and dances for various nursing homes and the international students at CBU. Hilary continues to take step dancing lessons and attends square sets and fiddle sessions whenever the opportunity arises...which is quite often!
Neil Poirier - Square Dance Instructor
Neil Poirier hails from Cheticamp and was exposed to dance at a very young age by his parents. They taught ballroom dancing locally and his mother took up step dancing a bit later on. His exposure to square dancing was through Medric LeFort, the school music teacher, who showed students the dance formations of the Cheticamp style square sets. He later taught Neil to prompt and teach square sets. In 1990, Neil and 3 other dance teachers from around CB were commissioned by the N.S. Dept of Education to create a teacher's manual of the different forms of square dancing from all around CB, to be taught and preserved in schools. The last number of years, Neil has been teaching and prompting Cheticamp square sets locally, and throughout CB with the Roots to Boots Festival. Neil can also be seen occasionally, dancing up a storm at a dance in Inverness County.
Neil Poirier hails from Cheticamp and was exposed to dance at a very young age by his parents. They taught ballroom dancing locally and his mother took up step dancing a bit later on. His exposure to square dancing was through Medric LeFort, the school music teacher, who showed students the dance formations of the Cheticamp style square sets. He later taught Neil to prompt and teach square sets. In 1990, Neil and 3 other dance teachers from around CB were commissioned by the N.S. Dept of Education to create a teacher's manual of the different forms of square dancing from all around CB, to be taught and preserved in schools. The last number of years, Neil has been teaching and prompting Cheticamp square sets locally, and throughout CB with the Roots to Boots Festival. Neil can also be seen occasionally, dancing up a storm at a dance in Inverness County.
Hannah Krebs - Discussion Guest
Born and raised in rural Ontario, Hannah Krebs began learning Gaelic when she moved to Nova Scotia for university. She has since gained a deep appreciation for the language and culture and enjoys sharing it with others. She holds a degree in Celtic Studies, and has spent the last number of years working at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum, and teaching Gaelic language classes in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys music, dancing, visiting, and getting to know this beautiful part of the world and the people in it better.
Born and raised in rural Ontario, Hannah Krebs began learning Gaelic when she moved to Nova Scotia for university. She has since gained a deep appreciation for the language and culture and enjoys sharing it with others. She holds a degree in Celtic Studies, and has spent the last number of years working at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum, and teaching Gaelic language classes in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys music, dancing, visiting, and getting to know this beautiful part of the world and the people in it better.
Kyle MacDonald - Fiddler for Square Set Workshop
Kyle MacDonald is a fiddler and step dancer from Inverness, Cape Breton who began learning these art forms early in life. He has performed all over the Maritimes and travelled to Ontario, Northern Canada, New England, and Scotland. Kyle most enjoys playing music for dancing and has lots of fun dancing when others are playing! His solo album was released in 2016. Kyle has been involved in Cape Breton traditional group projects like Fileanta and Nuallan which highlight the relationship between dance and traditional Gaelic pipe music. Brothers Colin and Keith are often seen performing with Kyle as "All Fired Up" - bringing together Gaelic song, fiddle, pipes, dancing, piano, and guitar.
Kyle MacDonald is a fiddler and step dancer from Inverness, Cape Breton who began learning these art forms early in life. He has performed all over the Maritimes and travelled to Ontario, Northern Canada, New England, and Scotland. Kyle most enjoys playing music for dancing and has lots of fun dancing when others are playing! His solo album was released in 2016. Kyle has been involved in Cape Breton traditional group projects like Fileanta and Nuallan which highlight the relationship between dance and traditional Gaelic pipe music. Brothers Colin and Keith are often seen performing with Kyle as "All Fired Up" - bringing together Gaelic song, fiddle, pipes, dancing, piano, and guitar.
Kevin Dugas - Discussion Guest
Born in Inverness, Cape Breton, Kevin Dugas has been playing the great highland bagpipe for more than 25 years. Growing up he was surrounded by family and local tradition bearers who played the fiddle, piano, pipes, and step danced. Kevin was inspired musically by his Scottish and Acadian roots, and the many great traditional musicians from Inverness County. With a family history of piping and music tradition, notably among his great-grandfather’s family, Hughie Dan MacDonnell of Deepdale Road, Kevin took to the pipes early, beginning at 10 years of age. As a professional class competitive bagpiper and composer, Kevin traveled the world as a member of the 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Grade 1 Pipe Band for 17 years. Kevin currently competes with the Peel Regional Police grade 2 pipe band based out of Brampton, Ontario. Some of Kevin’s influential piping mentors over the years include John MacLean, Bruce Gandy, Matt MacIsaac, and Alasdair Gillies. Kevin has also performed with the traditional piping group Nuallan at festivals locally and internationally including the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Currently, Kevin works full time as a Healthcare Social Worker at the Halifax Infirmary within the division of cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Born in Inverness, Cape Breton, Kevin Dugas has been playing the great highland bagpipe for more than 25 years. Growing up he was surrounded by family and local tradition bearers who played the fiddle, piano, pipes, and step danced. Kevin was inspired musically by his Scottish and Acadian roots, and the many great traditional musicians from Inverness County. With a family history of piping and music tradition, notably among his great-grandfather’s family, Hughie Dan MacDonnell of Deepdale Road, Kevin took to the pipes early, beginning at 10 years of age. As a professional class competitive bagpiper and composer, Kevin traveled the world as a member of the 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Grade 1 Pipe Band for 17 years. Kevin currently competes with the Peel Regional Police grade 2 pipe band based out of Brampton, Ontario. Some of Kevin’s influential piping mentors over the years include John MacLean, Bruce Gandy, Matt MacIsaac, and Alasdair Gillies. Kevin has also performed with the traditional piping group Nuallan at festivals locally and internationally including the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Currently, Kevin works full time as a Healthcare Social Worker at the Halifax Infirmary within the division of cardiology and cardiac surgery.