Irish Set Dancing in Nova Scotia

A life-long dancer, Elizabeth MacDonald turned to Irish set dancing while living in Toronto in the late 80’s. She subsequently studied in Ireland and the US under such noted set dance teachers as Pat Murphy and Connie Ryan, and traditional step dancer Patrick O’Dea.

Since 1992 – with the exception of a four-year European hiatus – Elizabeth has instructed the Scaip na Cleiti Irish Set Dancers in Halifax. She’s also conducted workshops and performed throughout Maritime Canada. While living in Europe from 2003-2007, Elizabeth taught the Brussels Irish set dancing group, and led workshops and ceilis in Belgium and northern France.

Elizabeth’s contribution to the promotion and preservation of Irish culture were recognized by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann with her induction into the Canadian Eastern Region Music Hall of Fame (2000), and receipt of the Irish Heritage scholarship (1998). She’s also written articles on traditional set and step dancing for Celtic Heritage magazine and Set Dancing News. She also has articles included in Pat Murphy's books The Flowing Tide and Apples in Winter. Originally trained as a Highland dancer, Elizabeth was accredited as a Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in 1979.