Aberdeenshire dates for pop-up dance show inspired by straw-wearing traditions

A lively group of "straw dancers" will be strutting their straggly stuff at settings across the north-east over the next week.

Strawboys, a pop-up show by choreographer Rob Heaslip, is inspired by the straw-wearing guising traditions of Ireland and Shetland.

Blending folk, disco beats and stomping feet, the work is being brought to outdoor locations from Shetland to Aberdeenshire.

There will be several free performances starting on Wednesday August 25 at the Universal Hall, Findhorn (3pm); Thursday 26 at Portsoy Scout Hut (3.30pm); Friday 27 at the South Wing, Haddo House (11.30am) and The Pheasantry, Haddo Country Park (1.30pm) and Saturday 28 at The Barn, Banchory (12.30pm and 2.30pm).

Strawboys is the second work in a trilogy by Heaslip exploring rituals of death, life and birth among the Gaels.

According to the team promoting it, the show features "luminous straw dancers whirling to Balkan-inspired beats" and is "a unique spin on the cultural tradition of the Strawboys, also known as Mummers, Guisers, Burdie Boys and Skekklers".

These strange-looking figures in their ornate straw costumes would be seen rambling through streets and fields.

The performance feature professional dancers Jack Anderson, Joanne Pirrie, Taylor Han and Tess Letham.

Zoe Katsilerou and Eilon Morris provide the music, while the dancers' costumes and woven masks are designed by Alison Brown.

The show is open to all ages and the running time for each performance is about 25 minutes.

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