Gerard Beaton, born and raised in Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has been step dancing for over three decades. Benefitting from the abundance of teachers in his local and surrounding communities, Gerard took lessons from multiple teachers, including local legends such as Mary Janet MacDonald, Rodney MacDonald, and Melody and Kelly Warner. He has shared his steps on many concert stages in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Scotland. The highlights would certainly be step dancing for the Celtic Colours International Festival and sharing his steps at Céolas in South Uist. He would consider himself a fan of the older style of Cape Breton step dancing, striving to exemplify the well-known expectations of close to the floor and dancing from the ankles down. He’ll be bringing his best steps for any strathspey or reel you can throw at him. As always, he is excited to be a part of the festival and to welcome the world to Cape Breton.