Though Bermuda may be thousands of miles from Scotland, the traditional music and dances of the Highlands have found a place in the hearts of local youngsters, whether they themselves are of Scottish ancestry or not.

"When I was little," explained Jada Simmons-Trott, "my Mum would take me to the Beating of the Retreat. I just loved the dancers, and I would dance with them on the sidewalk. Plus my family are all about music and dance. I begged my Mum to be in it."

The ten-year-old, who has been learning the traditional Scottish dances for two years now, added that her Mum worked at Clearwater Middle School, and the music teacher there was a drummer with the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, who told her Mum about the classes.

Speaking about the dances themselves, Jada, whose favourite dance is the Sword Dance, felt that the challenges included, "doing the point, stretches and balance. You've got to know how to face the right way and you've got to concentrate."

But the effort was worth the reward: you get to perform. "I've always dreamed of performing the dances with the other girls, and it's fun," Jada added.

Up to 40 young girls meet weekly at one of three locations to learn the intricate steps and something of the history and culture of the traditional Highland dances.

At the East End the girls meet at St. George's Preparatory School; Somerset Primary is the West End venue, and the third venue is the Lady Asser Hut on Richmond Road, Pembroke.

In an effort to make the classes accessible to all, they are free of charge, the instructors help with transportation to performances, and the students come from a range of backgrounds and cultures.

Jaylaka Jayathunga, who attends Star Academy, originally wanted to do ballet, but transportation was an issue, so she happily accepted the Highland alternative.

The ten-year-old likes doing the jig the best. Learning the steps can take a long time, so learning a new dance is exciting.

"It's a lot of fun," she declared. "The music is different. You hear the bagpipes and drums. It's exciting."

Jaylaka's eight-year-old sister, Anushka, is equally enthusiastic, particularly about the Sword Dance. "At first I didn't know how to do it," she admitted, "but then it was fun. The best part is when we have to put our hands up and go fast."

M'Dory Woods came initially because a friend told her about it and said it was fun. She liked what she saw and has been dancing now for approximately three years.

"I like its jumping mode," she explained. "It's energetic, a mix of ballet and hip-hop." And there are some side benefits: "You lose weight and it keeps you busy."

M'Dory's favourite dance is the Sword Dance, "not that you deal with swords," she added reassuringly, "you dance over them. It has different sections, and the last section is very fast."

She made her debut at the Tattoo at Dockyard, which was "scary at first, because there were a lot of people watching and you're not sure if you're going to make a mistake, but then it was fun."

Instruction is broken up into classes for tiny tots, beginners, intermediates and advanced dancers, and boys are welcome.

In addition to public performances, the dancers are able to have their skills assessed by an examiner from the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing and there are overseas workshops for the leaders.

For more information contact Jacqui Frith at bipbdancers@gmail.com