John Pellerin
Workshop #1 - Cape Breton Basics
Level: Beginner
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | MacPhee Centre
Step into the rhythms of Cape Breton in this engaging workshop led by John Pellerin, arespected dancer and tradition bearer from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Designed for thoselooking to explore orstrengthen the fundamentals of Cape Breton step dance, the sessionwill focus on clean footwork, timing, and musicality—with a strong emphasis on theconnection between the steps and fiddle music. Participants will learn traditional stepsalong with tipson style and technique that reflect the unique character of Cape Bretondance.All levels welcome—whether you’re just beginning or brushing up on the basics, thisworkshop will ground you in the spirit and structure of the tradition
Workshop #2 Cape Breton Style Dance
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 3 PM - 4:30 PM | MacPhee Centre
Dive deeper into the stylistic and cultural layers of Cape Breton step dancing in this workshop with John Pellerin, known for his strong musicality and deep connection to the tradition. With a focus on the relationship between dance, Gaelic language, and fiddle music, participants will learn traditional steps while gaining insight into the cultural roots that shape this powerful form. The session encourages dancers to move with purpose, listen closely to the music, and embody the steps with authenticity and heart.
Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, John Pellerin started step dancing at age four under the instruction of Margaret Dunn, the late Reverend Angus Alex MacDonnell, Ellen MacIntyre and Garry Fidler. At the age of ten he began violin lessons under the direction of Stan Chapman. His father Kenneth is a fiddle player who has played for dances and gatherings for many years in the Antigonish area. Dancing and fiddling have taken John throughout Canada, USA and Ireland. He has appeared on television and video. In 2000 John was invited to Dublin Ireland to perform in Abhann Productions “The Well,” a production dedicated to our Gaelic and Celtic relations, shared but scattered. John has played the fiddle and step danced alongside Buddy MacMaster, Winnie Chafe, the late John Morris Rankin, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, among many others.