Whether you are looking to sharpen your competitive edge, master a new instrument, or trace the shared rhythmic roots of step dance, these sessions provide a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the discipline and passion that drive traditional arts at the highest level.

Learn@Live! Friday
Discover the raw energy and percussive rhythm of traditional Scottish step dance in this comprehensive, two-part masterclass. Led by the dynamic Sophie Stephenson, this extended session is designed as a continuous journey. 

12:00 - 12:45 : Warm-Up & Introduction to Scottish Step Dance

Discover the rhythm and energy of Scottish step dance in this fun and welcoming workshop, open to all ages and experience levels. This session introduces foundational strathspey, jig, and reel steps in a relaxed and supportive environment. Led by Sophie Stephenson, the class will include a full warm-up, an introduction to the background of Scottish and Cape Breton step dance traditions, and an overview of basic strathspey, jig, and reel steps which providing a foundation for participants continuing on to the second half of the workshop, or an introduction for those who are new to the tradition. The workshop is suitable for all ages, and no previous experience is necessary. Please bring hard-soled shoes for dancing and a bottle of water. 

12:45 - 13:30 : Intermediate–Advanced Steps

This session is designed for dancers with experience in step dance or another percussive dance form. The session will follow on directly from the first workshop and will explore more intricate step patterns across strathspey, jig, and reel rhythms. Participants will work on building longer step sequences, developing new motifs, and exploring dynamics and improvisation within step dance. Although the second session will focus on more advanced steps and is recommended for those with prior dance experience, beginners are welcome to stay and watch or join in if they wish.

Please ensure you have Friday Festival Site Ticket or Week Pass before purchasing tickets for this event.

If you have a Friday ticket, click "Skip to More Tickets" at the bottom of the ticket screen to see Lunchtime Recital Series ticket.

The Venue

The centre serves as a national and international centre of excellence for the great Highland Bagpipe and its music. The Festival Site with the Centre Stage and Bothy Tent, as well as our food and drink tents will be on outside the Centre on McPhater Street. Ticket information is available here

Accessibility

The National Piping Centre and Pipers' Tryst restaurant has step access at both doors.

There is a lift available from the side of the building to all floors.

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor and 1st floor of the building.

During Piping Live! access is through the ramped entrance to the Festival Site, with ramp access into the Bothy where there is a bar.

There is also step free access to the lift access, which will be staffed by volunteers to assist you to your floor.

There is also an accessible toilet next to The Bothy.

You can see full access information at Euan's Guide here