For information contact 336-682-6725
Free Admittance
Festival proceeds will benefit WNC Hurricane Relief.
Eireann’s Call
They Will Be The Band At The Festival
Learn more about them and see some videos on their website.
Cellar Creek Farm
Come Visit The Cows
NCSU PIPES AND DRUMS
North Carolina’s Oldest Continuously Running Pipe & Drum Band – Founded in 1968
One of Our Features: Irish Dance and Scottish Highland Dance
Dance Groups At The Festival
Irish Dance vs Scottish Highland Dance: A Cultural Dance Comparison
Irish Dance and Scottish Highland Dance are two iconic forms of Celtic dance, each deeply rooted in the history and traditions of their respective countries. While they may appear similar to the untrained eye—with rapid footwork, graceful posture, and striking costumes—these two art forms have distinct characteristics, techniques, and cultural origins.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Irish Dance is a traditional form of performance from Ireland, with roots tracing back centuries through Gaelic festivals and social gatherings. It gained worldwide attention through shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, showcasing both solo and group styles. It is a symbol of Irish identity and pride, often performed at feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) and community celebrations.
Scottish Highland Dance, on the other hand, is a form of solo dance developed in the Scottish Highlands. Originally performed by men as a demonstration of strength and agility, Highland Dance was closely associated with warriors and military traditions. Today, it’s performed by both men and women and is featured prominently at Highland Games and cultural festivals.
Irish Dance
Irish Dance is known for its fast, precise footwork while maintaining a rigid upper body. Dancers often keep their arms by their sides during traditional routines. The dances can be performed in either soft shoes (similar to ballet slippers) or hard shoes, which create rhythmic, percussive sounds.
Scottish Highland Dance
Scottish Highland Dance features more upper-body movement, including the graceful positioning of the arms and hands. Dancers wear ghillies (soft shoes) and perform on the balls of their feet, emphasizing elevation, control, and stamina. The movements are athletic and expressive, often mimicking animals or symbolic actions, such as in the famous Sword Dance or the Seann Triubhas.
Badin is Located in the Piedmont of North Carolina
Meetings On The Second Monday of Each Month At The Badin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (28 Falls Rd.)
Learn More About Badin
Better Badin Started in 1978
Better Badin, Inc. was organized in 1978 to service the Badin Fire District, since at the time the Town of Badin was not incorporated. This small non-profit organization engages in activities for the improvement of life in and around the community and Town of Badin. Better Badin is an all-volunteer community organization that spearheads many town activities. All of the money that is raised by Better Badin goes back into the community.
Better Badin currently meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at The Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Falls Road.
Town Established in 1913
Badin was established in 1913 by French industrialist Adrian Badin, as a company town for the aluminum production plant he operated nearby. This plant is now owned by the Aluminum Corporation of America. The town of Badin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is noted for its unique French-inspired townhouses (called quadreplexes), which are among the earliest examples of townhouse architecture in North Carolina. By 1917, Badin was a permanent settlement with a hospital, a 20-room school, a large theatre, and several brick commercial buildings. It was somewhat unusual in the state in that it offered housing and cultural facilities for black workers.
