The first steps in Scotland of 2012 have officially been made by the Young Americans. After traveling for more than 24 hours we ended up in a cozy hotel in Linlithgow Scotland the night of January 18th. Some of us had a difficult time sleeping while others slept like babies. Woken up by the green hills of Scotland we were graciously treated to a beautiful brunch at the home of a future young American.  We then had our first load in to begin our first workshop with the Marion school of dance, who is very well known in the young Americans because of our extended dance excellence family. Seeing some familiar faces we had met in past years was a pleasant surprise along with Marion Sweeney greeting us with open arms.  After seeing leap after turn from the gorgeous dancers, on the first day we were graced by the presence of some students that attended the school we were teaching the workshop in. This school happened to be specially designed for the deaf and hard of hearing. Having a special place in our heart for sign language in the Young American family, it was absolutely fascinating to our cast. Having interpreters in the room signing every word was not only gorgeous, but extremely educational for all of us. Our first big surprise of our trip was given to us by the family of the future Young American. It happened to be her birthday therefore they brought in a bag pipe player not only for her birthday but also to WOW all of us. With every mouth on the floor while he played we will rock you, on a bag pipe, our amazement for these next 3 months had just then began. After three days of endless work, seeing dancers really push their boundaries. New friendships were made, our cast was built stronger, a remarkable way to begin our tour.

Scottish Coast