DANCE for Parkinson’s Scottish Borders are the first to take a brand-new ceilidh dance to the floor inspired by a stunning new tartan.

The tartan was designed and woven locally as a memorial to Borderers’ collective Covid-19 experiences.

And the ceilidh dance, performed at Eastgate’s Studio in Peebles, is one of 11 projects across the region initiated by its production. 

Dance artist Alex Saunders said: “We built the dance together in the group, with movements based on the pathways shown in the pattern of the fabric.

“They reminded us of life during Covid; hands that keep a distance but also reach out, needing each other. 

“I wanted it to be fun and adaptable to dancers with a range of mobility, so it could be danced seated or standing.”

The Scotland-wide project ‘Remembering Together’ was set up in 2023 to give each of 32 local authorities their unique way of marking their experiences of the pandemic. 

Through Borders-wide consultation – led by artists Alister Lownie and Kat Radeva of Two Destination Languages – more than 700 contributions led to the design of the new tartan.

Alister and Kat consulted widely about the colours.

Alister said: “People talked about landscapes and gorse and sky, the uniforms of the health care workers; but the colours chosen were really founded on emotions and memories and often pandemic-specific experiences.”

The tartan was woven by Andrew Elliot Limited, of Selkirk, and finished by Schofield Dyers and Finishers in Galashiels.

It’s seen as an appropriate memorial to community as well as for those who lost family members. And the group at the Eastgate has connected both the special pattern and dance to help support people with Parkinson’s.

Alex added: “Dance is connecting, as well as being uplifting, vibrant, and very good for the body.

“It can help people living with Parkinson’s physically, mentally and socially, it helps mobility and improves feelings of wellbeing.”

The group made this very clear as, guided by dance artist Rhiana Laws and pianist Robert Briggs, they joined in a song and then a dance, all of which provoked a lot of laughter and plenty of connection.

The Dance for Parkinson’s group will resume at the Eastgate studio on August 15 and is suitable for anyone who would benefit from voice work, social interaction and gentle movement. 

It is one of a number of ‘take part’ classes at the Eastgate.

For further information, including the current summer programme, contact the theatre’s box office on 01721 725777.

To find out about other Borders a creative projects in ‘Remembering Together’ go to www.twodestinationlanguage.com/rtb