Please see our Schedule for all the dance event times.
This is Amber Voss and Leann Clarke of the Missoula Highland Dancers accompanied by Rob Lynn of the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.
Ghillies
Missoula Irish Dancers
Calla Thompson, Anouk Zunker,
Molli Harrison, Marin Wright, & Sarah Jacobson performing
an Irish step dance.
Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering
This is Leann Clarke of the Missoula Highland Dancers accompanied by Rob Lynn of the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.
Missoula Irish Dancers
Calla Thompson, Anouk Zunker,
Molli Harrison, Marin Wright, & Sarah Jacobson performing an
a capella Irish step dance.
The Celtic nations are generally the territories in western Europe where Celtic languages or cultural traits have survived. The term "nation" is used in its original sense to mean a people who share a common identity and culture and are identified with a traditional territory. The seven territories widely considered Celtic nations are Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Galicia, Ireland (Éire), Isle of Man (Mannin or Ellan Vannin), Scotland (Alba), and Wales (Cymru). While seven “nations” are represented worldwide and no doubt have their related types of dance, the vast majority of American Celtic cultural heritage is associated with the Irish and Scottish traditions. Therefore, the Bitterroot Celtic Society and our related festival, The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering, emphasizes Irish and Scottish dance.
Scottish and Irish dancing
Many think these two Celtic dance forms are synonymous. In comparison to Scottish highland dance, Irish dancers rarely use their arms which are held beside their bodies (rather than raised above the shoulders), legs and feet are frequently crossed (not turned out at 45°), and frequently use hard-soled step shoes (compared to ghillies or 'pumps'). There is a greater use of choreography than traditional movements.
Highland dance (Scottish Gaelic: dannsa Gàidhealach) is a style of competitive solo dancing developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th and 20th centuries in the context of competitions at public events such as Highland games. It was created from the Gaelic folk dance, but formalized with the conventions of ballet and has been subject to influences from outside the Highlands. Highland dancing is often performed to the accompaniment of Highland bagpipe music and dancer wear specialized shoes called ghillies. (see photo) Highland Dance competition will held at this year’s (2024) Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. Demonstrations and performances of Highland Dance will also be presented.
Irish dance is a group of traditional dance forms originating from Ireland, encompassing dancing both solo and in groups, and dancing for social, competitive, and performance purposes. While the BCGG does not hold any Irish dance competitions, we have Irish dance demonstrations and teach social dancing usually associated with céilís (community gatherings).
August 16-17, 2025
Daly Mansion, Hamilton, MT
Highland dancing featuring Kellan Miller of the Missoula Highland Dancers, at the beautiful
Flathead Lake.
CELTIC DANCE
CELTIC DANCE
Highland Dancing, Irish Dancing, and Welsh Dancing performances, and demonstrations will take place both Saturday and Sunday at the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering, held the 3rd weekend of every August at the historic Daly Mansion in Hamilton, MT.
Missoula Irish Dancers
Calla Thompson, Anouk Zunker,
Molli Harrison, Marin Wright, & Sarah Jacobson performing an Irish step dance.
This is Amber Voss of the Missoula Highland Dancers accompanied by Rob Lynn of the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band at Fort Missoula Park.
Gary Bladen - Dance coordinator
Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering
PO Box 1774 Hamilton MT 59840 US
406-274-8886
bitterrootcelticsociety@outlook.com
A 501(c)(3) non-profit # 46-5321460