Photoessay #144 - Lassie

Naomi dances with the Highland Dancers, a performing group at her high school. Known as the Highlanders or the Scots, the band marches in full kilt accompanied by bagpipers and the traditional scottish dancers. Whoever originally designed the kilts worn by the band was a genius. The kids love the beautiful authentic outfits and there's no problem with all of the kids marching in kilts. When they get the whole outfit fired up, it is very impressive (see Photoessay #8 from late May)

Seems peculiar to have a scottish theme in an area so heavily influenced by Native American and Asian themes. Must have seemed like a good idea at the time in 1963. Sometimes you just don't have a choice about these things.

Naomi really bought the idea of being involved in school activities when she entered Shorecrest. In the fall of her freshman year, she announced that she was going to try out for the Lassies. Hmmm, never had a kid who show a bit of interest in the Lassies, usually the Lassies have previous dance experience. Which she doesn't. But why not, go for it. They teach the dances the prospective candidates for a few weeks before the tryouts. She went to the classes and practiced at home. After the first week, I thought "No problem, we are in no danger of making this" as she struggled with the Fling. But, as she continued to practice, she improved and I realized that she just make it. Confident going into the actual tryouts, she sailed through and was one of the few freshman selected. Congratulations, Naomi!

Even though the startup included $175 special super-duper tartan socks ordered from some place in Northern Ireland. Admire those suckers.

It's been a great thing for her, gives her some structure and identity within the high school. Opportunity for leadership. Dance lessons. The Lassies dance at the Homecoming Assembly and at halftime at the football game. I'm going there tonight.