One might think there was a curse of some kind when Innisfail dancers Kayla Ainscough and Madison Puttee both sustained leg injuries on the same day during their final competition.
But it was the end of a three-week Highland dancing journey to Scotland to compete and learn about the origins of the art and they were already set to come home as bona fide winners.
“It was a little disappointing but it was the last competition so it wasn't a big deal, said Puttee.
Ainscough, 13, and Puttee,16, were in Scotland with a group of 11 Central Alberta dancers from August 6 to 21. The dancers brought home 31 gold, silver and bronze medals from their overseas competitions.
Puttee, who dances out of Red Deer's Bixby Erickson Studio of Highland Dancing, competed in the premier level and brought home six medals, including a silver in the fling and two bronze, including one in the Seann Triubhas dance. Ainscough, who is taught by teacher Jeanne Small with the MacLeod of Lewis Dance studio in Innisfail, danced in novice and won a total of six medals, including three bronze. Her excellent performance elevated her to the intermediate level.
“I learned a lot of new techniques, different steps. The competitions were quite different. In Scotland, if it is raining or hailing they just keep dancing. They are very dedicated,” said Ainscough. “I feel I am going to be dancing longer because of going to Scotland.”
Puttee was also impressed with the skill level of the Scottish dancers but like Ainscough she also wowed the judges and won a special medal for the best overseas dancer in the junior category.
“It was all quite amazing. I did better than I expected,” said Puttee, adding the trip also was a chance to get to know the other Central Alberta dancers better. “ I didn't know them that well before the trip, and it was cool to dance with them.”
It wasn't all just competition for the young women. They also had the opportunity to attend the Edinburgh military tattoo show, which featured top level Highland dancing. And of course when not dancing against Scottish dancers they became friends with them as well – even if they poked a little good-natured fun at their Canadian accents.
“I think it (accent) was a bit odd to them,” said Puttee, “But I think our overall impression was quite good.”
