Heel for Heel
The story of Scottish dance
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Luath Press Ltd
Published:1st Nov '25
Should be back in stock very soon
Why do millions of people around the world love Scottish dancing?
What makes it so special?
Heel for Heel is a joyful celebration of all the genres from the centuries-old Highland Dancing to the evolving reels, Scottish Country Dancing, ceilidhs and Step Dance that spread throughout Scotland and beyond. The story mirrors the delight of the guests at ‘Mairi’s Wedding’ going ‘heel for heel’, whether in a boisterous jig or a graceful Strathspey.
Cindy Gray, a keen dancer herself, invites you to discover the universal appeal of Scottish dance. She tells the story of Scottish dance through the stories of fellow enthusiasts including Scots at exuberant ceilidhs, Samburu tribesmen learning a giddy ‘Eightsome Reel’, Canadian children immaculately dressed for ‘The Sword Dance’ and reelers at glittering balls in Venice, Oman and India. Her amusing anecdotes and illuminating reflections are enhanced by vibrant photographs.
This book is a MUST for anyone who enjoys Scottish dancing – or who fancies they might – and for everyone drawn to stepping out gaily, ‘heel for heel and toe for toe’!
People like Cindy Gray, who – decades later, at age seven – was taught by her mother, diplomat’s wife Julianna Selby, to perform the Highland Fling for President Sukarno and thousands of spectators at a cultural event in Jakarta, Indonesia. And neither Cindy nor her mum were Scottish. Still on her toes and passionate for Scottish dance, former BBC reporter Cindy has penned Heel For Heel, a book of the people who have embraced this all-inclusive joyful tradition and put their best foot forward – Scotland style. SALLY MACDONALD, The Sunday Post
ISBN: 9781804252543
Dimensions: 203mm x 140mm x 9mm
Weight: 140g
258 pages