TRURO – Sarah MacDonald has been stepping, jumping and twirling for hours on end, preparing for the biggest performance of her young life
The Truro teenager will be among a troop of about 40 Highland dancers from across the province appearing on stage at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, which launches in Halifax on Canada Day.
"This is my first really big show but I'm pretty comfortable in front of the crowd from all the shows I've done," said MacDonald.
No stranger to the stage, the 14-year-old has been dancing with the Colchester Highland Dance Association for the past seven years. She has participated in dozens of competitions, including several large venue events such as the Scot Dance Canada Championship in Toronto.
The young dancer attended the Tattoo in Halifax about four years ago and set her sights on being a part of the display of colours one day.
"I actually tried out two years ago but didn't make it," she said.
Instead of giving up on her dream, however, it pushed MacDonald to work even harder, landing her a spot in the troop this year.
"I practiced a lot more and got the choreography this time. I'm really proud of myself for getting there."
MacDonald has tried other forms of dance but loves the high-energy, technical traditional Scottish dance.
During the six-minute routine, which she has been rehearsing daily, she will share the stage with a number of girls who she has competed against in the past.
"It's certainly a change dancing with the girls you used to compete against. This experience has brought us together so they are all my friends now."
The Tattoo will take place at the Metro Centre and will continue until July 8 with performances at various times. This year's event will pay special tribute to the centennial anniversary of Canada's Navy.
MacDonald is most excited about being a part of the Tattoo because, "I like showing people Highland dance and meeting new people from all over the world. "
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