Joy MacKinnon brought Scottish Highland Dancing to the Ventura County dance community in 1973. Her early training in Scottish dancing was by her grandmother and aunts - all of whom were competitors in the Scottish games. She was raised in a family where Scottish dancing was as much a part of any gathering as was shortbread, mince, Scottish meatpies, scones, tea and orange marmalade. Joy's grandmother made kilts at her ironing board for many people in the Scottish community of Detroit, Michigan and for those in Ontario, Canada, including Windsor. Joy's grandmother was an integral part of the Scottish community;belonging to the Daughter's of Rebekkah and other Scottish-based cultural organizations.
Scottish dancing has not changed much over the years, however as recently asthe fifties' the steps were organized, defined and brought together by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, in Scotland. This board regulates all of the Scottish dancing taught anywhere in the world.
Dances taught at MacKinnon's include Highland Fling, Sean Tribuhas (pronounced Trews), Swords, Highland Reel, Reel of Tulloch, Strathspey and all of the National dances To name a few of the Nationals: The Scottish Lilt, the Earl of Errol, Flora Macdonald's Fancy, The Highland Laddie, and The Barracks Johnny. The Sailor's Hornpipe and the Irish Jig (a Scottish version of the lively Irish dancing) are also taught.
MacKinnon Dance Academy has produced dozens of beautifully trained Scottish Dancers since 1973. Some have gone on to compete in the world games in Scotland, and many have taken their teacher's credentials and are preserving the tradition through their classes. Joy MacKinnon as produced two 'Celtic' dance concerts for the Ventura Community, and has been an advisor for the Ventura Arts Alliance during their work on two recent Celtic Fairies held in Oxnard.
Scottish Highland
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Scottish Highland Check Out:
Southern California Highland Dance Association
