Trophy d’Ecosse Virtual Ceilidh
We have DJ’d the Trophy d’Ecosse Ceilidh for the last 7 years and when the organisers asked us to help this year, we were determined to make it 8 in a row!
Obviously the event couldn’t go ahead at Easterbrook Hall as normal, so the whole event was moved online. We were so excited to be able to provide the ceilidh and disco for this fantastic event, even if it was a little different to what we are used to!
The Real Life Event
Trophy d’Ecosse is the UK’s largest synchronised skating competition and takes place in Dumfries every February. It attracts hundreds of skaters from across the world and one of the highlights is always the party at the end of the competition. We have had the pleasure of being involved since 2014 and it is something we look forward to every year.
Being a Scottish competition, ceilidh dancing is essential at the party. The skaters absolutely love it! It’s always great to see guests from all over the world getting involved in our Scottish traditions. Between the ceilidh dancing, disco music and flash mobs, the dance floor is packed all night!
The Move to Virtual
When the organisers came to us with the awesome idea to move to a virtual ceilidh, we couldn’t wait to get involved! After discussing the format of the event, we sorted out all the technical side of things so we could DJ directly to Zoom. The next challenge was how to teach the ceilidh dances over Zoom.
We put together a selection of Dance Cards that were sent out in advance of the event. These included the instructions of each dance, as well as links to the video and music. These Dance Cards, together with videos and calling on the night, ensured everyone could get involved in the dancing.
Party Time
The night itself was fantastic! We had a round 100 people on the Zoom call and everyone was so keen to party. We had people dancing in their livings rooms, kitchens and even their garages! Some people even went to the effort of getting their own disco lights.
We were delighted to receive this great feedback from the organisers:
Ross arranged a virtual ceilidh for the Trophy d’Ecosse synchronized skating competition. The event couldn’t go ahead this year but we wanted our post competition party to still happen. Ross arranged dance cards in advance so everyone could learn the dances and he led proceedings over Zoom on the night. The best Saturday night we have all had in lockdown!
Anne-Marie Coxon
