DOUGLAS MCFARLAND’S
DOWN UNDER THE KILT
REEL MEN DO DANCE!

He has come to be known as the Central Coast’s resident dancer. Over the past 20 years he has shown us his skill at school fete’s, country fairs, Scottish Dinners, Australian celebrations, parties, weddings, anything. When you say Highland Dancer to anyone on the Central Coast – they’ll say Dougie…Down Under the Kilt.

Whether it’s been by choice or because of his bold nature, the Central Coast now knows that Highland Dancing isn’t that “Riverdance” stuff but a traditional dance form from Scotland, where the dancer’s wear kilts and complete intricate dance steps over swords.

The next message Dougie is sending – that dancing isn’t a girls only stage…but very much a man’s sport and it couldn’t be done better by any other bloke. Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance is his latest stage show, in a series that has blessed the Central Coast with the very best of Highland Dancer’s over recent years.

“Highland Dancing is a modern athletic sport, based rich in Scottish history, which only 100 years ago was performed only by men, and those who could complete a dance were considered the greatest of Warriors” said Douglas McFarland (Dougie) the shows creator.

“I have had great success competing in traditional Highland for many years. It has taken me all over the World and introduced me to many of my great friends, including many girlfriends. It has turned me into an athlete and was the basis for my healthy lifestyle and physical condition.”

Dougie will lead a cast of greatness when the show plays the Central Coast Leagues Club next month. In the cast is fellow Central Coast dancer – International Champion Kyle Marston, Champions from USA and Canada and 4 time World Champion, arguably the World’s best Male Dancer – Tony Cargill. It follows the highly controversial theme of Reel Men Do Dance.

“When I was in High school, I had a number of incidents based on ignorance of my dance form. Guys didn’t understand it and so belittled what I did. Regardless of what they said, I continued competing in this ancient Warrior sport and became one of the countries most successful dancer’s. Worse though than school kids teasing me, I had a teacher who claimed real men don’t dance. He would taunt me in the halls of the school and if ever he saw a newspaper article about my success, he would repeat his ridiculous claim. His bigotry and ignorance inspired me to become a voice for all Male dancers.”

And voice he has become. Dougie has recently begun teaching an all male class – called the Highland Warriors. They are taught traditional dance steps and encouraged to learn the history and culture of the sport. They are also given intense physical conditioning and discipline as they master the steps.

“The Highland Warriors have been doing great. They competed in their first competition with great success and will also perform on stage in Reel Men Do Dance. In time they will see improved results in school, better performance on the football park and a heightened sense of discipline that will drive them to success in all aspects of life”

Dougie’s comment above is a true reflection of his own success. At just 27 he has toured the world, several times, has his own shoe brand, released a CD (He plays bagpipes too) produced 10 stage shows, released 2 DVD’s, owns a website, runs a multi-million dollar business for one of this countries corporate giants, has several international qualifications as a Highland Dance educator, won several National and International titles and teaches one of Australia’s best dancers.

If you are one of the few who haven’t seen him in performance, well you have got the best chance this July. 7 of the World’s best MALE dancers and the Highland Warriors will hit the stage to Celtic rock band, Highlander (who can only be described as the Living End meets Bagpipes!) in the Central Coast’s home away from home for Blokes and their families – the Central Coast Leagues Club.

KILTS, Bagpipes, Men, rock band, bar – it doesn’t get any better.

Douglas McFarland’s Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance –
Parkview Room, Central Coast Leagues Club
Friday July 24th 2009 8PM
Tickets $15 - $25
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