Scottish Dance Teachers Shine at World's Second-Largest Open Air Tattoo

Strategic Insights -

Two Greenock dance teachers, Vikki Warnock and Katie Little, have brought a taste of Scotland to 70,000 spectators at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland. The duo, from Stage Door Studios, spent two weeks as cast members of the world's second-largest open air tattoo, performing with a 50-strong team of Highland dancers from across Scotland. Under the direction of former world champion Rachel McLagan, they wowed audiences with their performances, including a surprise highlight where they illuminated the arena with their light-up wings. The trip marked a first visit to the Basel Tattoo for Katie, with Vikki returning for a third time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vikki Warnock and Katie Little, two dance teachers from Greenock, performed at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland with a 50-strong team of Highland dancers from across Scotland.
  • The team, led by former world champion Rachel McLagan, performed 11 shows over the course of two weeks, including a special number titled 'The Fairies of Schiehallion' inspired by folklore and mythical tales.
  • The dancers were also invited to perform with the US Air Force Band and took part in a parade through the streets of Basel, watched by thousands of spectators.
  • Vikki and Katie taught dance at Stage Door Studios and brought a taste of Scotland to the international event.
  • The trip marked a first visit to the Basel Tattoo for Katie and a third appearance for Vikki.
  • The dancers closed out the two-week performance by dancing for their mums, Anne and Christine, who travelled to Basel to watch the finale show.

Statistics:

  • 70,000 spectators attended the Basel Tattoo.
  • 50 dancers from across Scotland performed with the Flings and Things team.
  • 11 shows were performed by the team over the course of two weeks.
  • The performers came from Scotland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, Malta, Jordan, and Oman.
  • The team performed with the US Air Force Band and the Bands of HM Royal Marines.
  • The dancers took part in a parade through the streets of Basel, watched by thousands of spectators.
  • Vikki and Katie have taught dance at Stage Door Studios for an unspecified number of years.

Sources:

  • Vikki Warnock, personal interview with the Tele.
  • Stage Door Studios.
  • Basel Tattoo.