Dancer makes her mark in Canada

Roma Highland dancer Hannah Hughes has recently returned from performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, Canada.

DANCING SUCCESS: Hannah Hughes (second on the left) has recently returned from Canada after dancing over there. Picture: Contributed

Roma Highland dancer Hannah Hughes has recently returned from performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, Canada.

Hannah was one of six Australian OzScot Highland Dancers in an international team of forty, including dancers from Canada, USA, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia.

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo celebrated it's 40th Anniversary this year, honouring Canada's contribution to the First World War, the epic sea Battle of the Atlantic of the Second World War and women in service.

The team met in Halifax in mid-June and trained for 10 days leading up to the opening night of the Tattoo.

From there, the girls performed in four items for seven daysin front of large audiences at the Scotiabank Centre in the heart of Halifax.

Hannah said the experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Leading up to the performances it was really hard work, we were dancing for up to 12 hours on some days, however it was worth it.

"I love to dance and it is extra special performing in front of such massive audiences,” Hannah said.

In addition to the full on schedule of rehearsals and performances, the girls also had other dancing and public relation commitments.

Hannah was also part of the dance at Canada Day and helped host choreography workshops and participated in a step dance class.

OzScot Australia dance director and founder Cheryl Roach OAM accompanied the Australian dancers to Halifax.

Roach was employed to consult with and share her expertise in tattoo performances with the Canadian dance team leaders.

Hannah said even though her schedule was busy, she was grateful.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to perform in an international dance team, as I have only experienced an all Australian tattoo dance team previously,” she said.

"I loved meeting and getting to know other dancers from across the globe.”

Originally published as Dancer makes her mark in Canada