Rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation, Sophie has a distinctive style that blends traditional and newly created steps and her work explores the deep rhythmic connections between language, music and movement within Gaelic culture.  She has collaborated with leading artists and groups including Capercaillie, Carlos Núñez, Dàimh and The East Pointers, and performs regularly with acclaimed flautist and uilleann piper Calum Stewart.  Hailing from Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, Sophie’s passion for the traditional arts was shaped by an upbringing immersed in cèilidh culture, music sessions and local fèisean. With an academic background in ethnology, she brings a strong awareness of the historical context of Gaelic culture, where music, song, dance, storytelling, and community are deeply interconnected, and a deep-rooted respect for tradition bearers which informs her teaching practise.  Step dance is a tradition which was retained and carried forward by Scottish emigrant communities in Eastern Canada, and Sophie is part of the legacy of its re-introduction to Scotland. She is dedicated to promoting and passing on step dance tradition through performances, teaching and creative projects across Scotland and internationally. She recently set up Sgoil Dannsa, to keep the heartbeat of Scottish Step Dance alive in the Highlands and beyond - through in-person and online classes (in both Gaelic and English), digital resources, and an interactive seminar series which connects dancers, academics, researchers and tradition bearers.