The MacArthur Dancers are a professional dance troupe from the beautiful Island of Cape Breton. They were formed in 1996 under the direction of Champion Highland Dancer and seasoned Step Dancer, Kelly MacArthur. The dancers range in age from 14-22 years, and are from all over the island, although the Main Studio is located in North Sydney. They are renowned for their creative and unique stage choreography in both Highland and Step Dance. 

The troupe consists of Premier level Champion dancers with Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canadian, Canadian and Commonwealth titles – including the 2023 Junior World Champion title. They have won the Canadian Choreography Group Challenge title several times at the National Championships. They have been invited to travel all over Canada, the United States and Scotland to perform hundreds of shows over the years. 

The MacArthur Dancers have been fortunate to have performed with nearly every incredible Celtic musician known to Cape Breton and beyond, including touring over the past 10 years with the Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour, the Cape Breton Summertime Review and Island Girls. Some performance highlights include: Celtic Colours International Festival, Rollo Bay Festival, Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac, Coig, Sprag Session, Colin Grant Band, Bèolach, Jimmy & Heather Rankin, Rawlins Cross, Michael McGoldrick & John McCusker, Slainte Mhath, Spirit of The Fiddle, CB Hall of Fame Gala, Alberta Métis Homecoming Festival, and so many more. Too many amazing fiddlers, festivals and conferences to mention. In 2017, they were featured on The Amazing Race Canada. In 2024, they were invited to perform with the Barra MacNeils at Massey Hall in Toronto – a dream performance! They will also be featured in the upcoming movie, Little Lorraine. 

Sharing their passion for traditional dance through performance, is an integral part of keeping the Gaelic culture alive and thriving into new generations. The MacArthur Dancers are thrilled to be back at Celtic Colours this year, and are honoured to perform along with some of the world’s best musicians. It’s also an absolute pleasure to be paired once again with their favourite family band, the Barra MacNeils, for the Opening Gala.