While I was waiting to photograph Gordon Webster, a former personal bagpiper for Queen Elizabeth at the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts, I noticed these two dancers practicing something out of the ordinary - a Scottish Highland Sword Dance. And they sure were good!

All I could think of was “ouch!” as I watched twelve-year-old Fiona Barker, left, of Hill, dance on her toes around the blades, with mentor Rachel Matheson, 17, of Chester, looking on. Even though they’re just a prop, it was the thought of her mother having to buy a smaller shoe size for her!

You can watch a video about Webster online here.

-Bob Hammerstrom

bhammerstrom@nashuatelegraph.com

Tags: arts, bagpiper, Bob Hammerstrom, dance, dancers, Elizabeth, england, Fiona Barker, Gordon Webster, highland sword dance, lessons, manchester, New Hampshire, nh, of, personal, photograph, photographer, piper, queen, rachel matheson, school, scottish, swords