Forrester School of Dance
The Forrester School of Dance was founded by Eileen Pottie Forrester, a champion dancer, in 1965 and is now in its 59th year. The school is co-directed by Eileen鈥檚 daughter, Shannon whom is the owner and CEO of the Forrester Centre. www.forrestercentre.ca
Eileen鈥檚 two sisters, Faye and Sandra were both highland dancers and one was a bagpiper and the other a drummer. Both played in several bands over the years and were Eileen鈥檚 first dance teachers. Eileen鈥檚 professional career was mentored by the infamous and former World Highland Dance Champion, formerly from Scotland, Sandra Bald Jones. She has been a constant source of help and support in Eileen鈥檚 life since 1963.
The school offers competitive and recreational dancing in highland dance, step dance, hip hop jazz, specialized choreography and liturgical dance. They have been the only local school specifically trained in liturgical dance by Eileen, who had training with Sisters from the CND in the late eighties. For 74 consecutive years Eileen鈥檚 family has been training dancers in our Scottish culture uninterrupted and it鈥檚 Eileen鈥檚 intention to ensure her legacy will continue in the capable hands of her eldest daughter Shannon, whom has been teaching alongside her mother for 33 years. Shannon鈥檚 love of Cape Breton and our strong heritage will definitely continue with the same love and passion as her mother. Eileen has trained many dancers to become teachers over the years and some are running successful schools locally and beyond.
The dance company has been invited to represent Canada, their province and of course their strong culture during many International Folk Festivals around the world. Some notable festivals were in the US, several times, including 22 shows on the main stage, at Epcot during 鈥淩hythms of the World鈥, Canada, Europe and Asia.
664 Upper Prince Street, , Sydney, B1P 5N1, Canada