Angus MacKenzie was a talented dancer, highly respected teacher, BCHDA Past President, and good friend to many in British Columbia and across the world of dance for over 60 years. He passed away suddenly in October 2018, leaving a void in the lives of his friends and the generations of dancers he taught and inspired.
Angus grew up in Victoria, BC dancing with M
rs. Adeline Duncan. He was a constant on the dance scene up and down the West Coast. A talented dancer, he won countless championships throughout North America , but treasured the friends he met and the experiences he gained more than any competition. In conversation you were far more likely to hear about an adventure he and the other dancers got up to, or a funny mistake he made on stage, than you would a competition he won. That was his nature, Highland dance to him, was a community and his life; not something to be measured in winning or losing.
Many dancers dream of dancing at the World Championships in Scotland and Angus was no different. However, a trip to Scotland was an expensive proposition for Angus' family (as for many even now) and it wasn't until 1969 that his family was able to make that dream a reality. Angus finally got his chance to compete overseas at age 21 where he won the Adult World Highland Dance Championships. It would be his one and only chance, and he made it count.
In the spirit of his legacy and to celebrate a man who gave so much back to Highland Dance, the BCHDA has set up a fund in his memory to give one lucky dancer a chance to follow in his footsteps. The Angus MacKenzie "Soar to Scotland " Grant is meant to aid one dancer's dream of competing at the Cowal Highland Gathering in the hopes of winning the World Championships as Angus did, fittingly, 50 years ago!
BCHDA has received an outpouring of support and requests to contribute towards a memorial. The Executive Board considered many ideas and determined the Angus MacKenzie “Soar to Scotland ” Grant is a fitting remembrance to a man who meant so much to the community of Highland dance around the world. Our goal is to continue to offer the Grant long into the future so Angus and his legacy are always remembered.
Donors names will be listed on the certificate awarded to the grant unless you choose the option to remain anonymous. We would like to reach as may people as possible in the worldwide Highland Dance community. Please share this link Angus MacKenzie 'Soar to Scotland' Grant.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know in the comment field. Thank you for your support.