Strathspè Away dance and music festival welcomes a number of new tutors and performers this year for the fifth annual festival. The festival, hosted by the exquisite step-dance group Dannsa, runs from the 9th to the 11th of November in Kingussie .

The weekend promises to be a special one with a collaboration between the Festival and ‘Dancebase’ in Edinburgh. Tutors are making their way north as well as the astounding Hip-hop group Freshmess, who will take the floor on Saturday night for the big extravaganza, joining forces with Dannsa for this first-time pairing,

Things kicks off on Friday night with a ceilidh dance by Alasdair MacCuish and The Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Following the hugh amount of interest from visitors and locals alike Dannsa are certain that no-one will be disappointed with the opening ceilidh since the Black Rose Ceilidh Band. are widely acclaimed as one of the great Scottish ceilidh dance bands.

Daytime activities continue with a similar high calibre of performances, classes, recitals and lectures which offer something to whet the appetite of the the most ardent dance and music fans, but there’s also a warm welcome for those who want to pop into one class, or just come along to the evening concerts. Saturday and Sunday offer classes in Step dancing, Fiddle, Puirt-a-beul (Gaelic mouth music), Irish Set dancing, Highland dancing, American Smooth and Salsa, Tin Whistle, Ceilidh and Quadrilles and Gaelic and Hip-hop. The tutor line - up is as exciting as ever, among the well-known names will be Jim Barry from Ireland, Maeve MacKinnon from Barra and Angus Nicolson from Skye as well as those from Dancebase; Allan Irvine, Sheila McCutcheon and Susan and Phillmore Harvey. One of the most exciting aspects of the classes is the live music in all the dance classes. Other tutors and musicians include Carol Anne MacKay, Patsy Reid and Gabe MacVarish , as well as Dannsa’s own Caroline Reagh, Sandra Robertson, Frank McConnell and Fin Moore.

The festival will also see Gaelic language taking a higher profile during the weekend with additional Gaelic and Puirt-a-beul classes on offer as well as the opportunity to learn and speak Gaelic at other times; a ‘Gaelic coffee’ table will be set up for break times!

The festival has been funded by Highland 2007, The Scottish Arts Council, The Highland Council, Gaidhlig 'sa Coimhearsnachd and Fionnar .

Further information from Sandra Robertson on; 01540-661594 or 07786454470