Dancers from U.S., Canada traveling to Itasca

Many of the dancers take group classes three times a week, private lessons whenever they can, and practice at home for hours.

This weekend, they hope to prove their work is worth it, as almost 100 Highland dancers from throughout the United States and Canada travel to Itasca for the annual Chicagoland Spring Fling Highland Dance Competition.

The event on Saturday, Feb. 28, is hosted by a local troupe, Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers, led by Nancy Strolle. She said this contest is popular because it helps dancers gear up for the spring and summer competition seasons.

"It is a competition to make your name and it has become popular because of its timing," Strolle said. "It gives you a chance to have a championship before other major events. And because it is a championship, there is a certain amount of prestige associated with it."

The event will feature dancers ages 9 to 52, competing in various age divisions for trophies, prize money and certificates from the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, based in Scotland.

Strolle said this Saturday will be many young dancers' first foray into the competition scene. And it's a good start, she says, because the competitor list "reads like a who's who of Highland dancing."

The current U.S. champion, Jean Stein, an Elgin resident, will be among the competitors. For the championship portion of the event, Stein and all contestants must execute dances with precise steps performed in a specific sequence - or else they face disqualification. But around midday on Saturday, dancers will have the opportunity to show their creativity during a choreography segment.

Strolle said this segment is a break from the strict formalities that Highland dancers have held onto for so long. Stein's choreography solo will include a routine done to "The Hokey Pokey," performed on bagpipes.

"You can't help but smile because it's 'The Hokey Pokey' for heaven's sake," Strolle said. "It's a wonderfully creative element that we are just starting to embrace in the Highland community."

The event also will also feature live music and vendors selling Scottish and Celtic items to the visitors.

If you go

What: Chicagoland Spring Fling Highland Dance Competition, hosted by the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers

When: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28

Where: Eaglewood Resort, 1401 Nordic Road, Itasca

Cost: $5 for adults; $2 for ages 6 to 12; free for younger children

Info: thhd@comcast.net