Yarmouth dancer selected for Edinburgh Tattoo

Tessa MacMillan says she was pretty excited when she learned the news that she was one of four dancers from Nova Scotia chosen to perform from Aug. 1 -23.

“I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” she said.

From hundreds who applied for the Canadian team, 45 dancers were chosen from across the nation. Selection was based upon the reputation of the dance school for producing high caliber dancers, as well as the dancer’s accomplishments, and a recommendation from the dance teacher.

Dance school owner and instructor Michelle MacKenzie says MacMillan has great technical ability and amazing stage presence.

“She loves to perform, is very mature, dedicated, hard working and truly sparkles on stage. People from the audience often comment on her after performances wondering who the amazing dancer was, with the twinkle in her eyes,” said MacKenzie, who has instructed MacMillan since she was six.

MacMillan has competed regularly and has won over 100 medals and trophies, including the prestigious Dancer of the Day in 2001. Although she plans on attending St. FX in Antigonish this fall and studying kinesiology, she hopes to join a highland dance school to stay fit.

“We will miss her during her stay at university but look forward to May when she will return to MacKenzie School of Dance to continue with her dance training,” said her instructor.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is set-up and run for charitable purposes, has gifted some $10 million to service and civilian organizations over the years. At least 40 countries are represented annually in the performance which has an audience of around 217,000.