Heather learned traditional ceilidh dance while she was growing up in Scotland and studied classical piano for thirteen years before also taking up mandolin. She cut her teeth as a caller and dance musician in and around the South East of England in her early twenties, discovering balfolk and contra dance traditions along the way. Now based in Glasgow, you can find her involved in various projects spanning both throughout the UK and across the Atlantic Ocean.
A note on gender-free calling
I am committed to providing a space in which everyone feels they can dance* – and with anyone else – inclusive of all gender identities and expressions, and sexuality. In my experience, omitting historically gendered roles from social folk dance goes a long way towards this. Unless otherwise requested, I will lead an event without using gendered terms during both dances and the event at large. I call ceilidh and contra using positional calling.
*This includes people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, … too.