Pat Ballantyne PhD

I am an author, scholar, dancer and dance teacher specialising in traditional Scottish music and dance. An Honorary Research Fellow at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, where I teach the dance component of the Institute’s ethnography courses.

My book, Scottish Dance Beyond 1805: Reaction and Regulation focuses on Scottish dance history and the influences that have contributed to the current state of traditional music and dance in Scotland.

I have performed and taught Scottish dance and played in a cèilidh band, for many years in Scotland, Europe and Canada.

My qualifications include BMus, MAHons History of Art and Celtic Studies, and a PhD in Ethnology (Scottish Dance and its Music), all from the University of Aberdeen.

My Expertise

Scotland

I really enjoy giving talks and lectures about Scottish Dance to different groups, whether in-person or online. These include talks for The Saltire Society, Old Aberdeen Heritage Society, the University of Aberdeen and Scottish Culture and Traditions, to name just a few. As I like to illustrate these talks with demonstrations, I take a musician with me whenever possible.

If you would like me to do a talk for your group or organisation, contact me.

Netherlands

As I am currently based in the Netherlands, I have a great interest in researching Dutch traditional and folk music and dance. I also find the Dutch fascination with Irish music particularly interesting and I regularly participation in music sessions.

For many years I have played Scottish music in a ceilidh dance band. We call the dances (walk dancers through dances) and play the music. Contact me if you are interested in Scottish music for your event.

Dance Workshops

I teach and have taught Scottish / Cape Breton style percussive step dance in Italy, Germany – including at the biggest Highland Games in Europe – and in the Netherlands.

I can teach

  • One-off workshops which give a basic introduction to percussive step dance or

  • A whole series of classes, for complete beginners of any age, through intermediate, to advanced dancers.

If you would like to try step dance or would like to find out more, please get in touch.

Are you interested in the history of Scottish dance and its music over the last 200 years with a focus on North-East Scotland?

Scottish Dance Beyond 1805: Reaction and Regulation tells this story …

Highland Fling around 1910 

This image comes from Isabel Murray’s book of drill exercises for schools. It shows one of the Highland Fling positions. If you know anything about today’s Highland dancing, this will look a little different! Not only are the arm and hand positions different but the foot literally goes round the knee. Although the dancer is wearing school uniform, even the dancing outfit used by girls was very different to what would be worn today.

Find out more about Madame Murray and about the Highland Fling in Scottish Dance Beyond 1805: Reaction and Regulation.