Down Under the Kilt is a concept by Australian Highland Dancer Douglas McFarland.
First playing Henry Kendall Auditorium in July 2005, DUTK brings together Contemporary Scottish Dance and music with new age concepts performed by Champion dancers.
Douglas McFarland created Down Under the Kilt whilst still at school, inspired by his many experiences as a male dancer. In its original form it was a simple stage show, but as he put his ideas into production it became bigger and bigger.
Dougie: "I remember when I told the family my intentions with Down Under the Kilt, even they thought I was out of my mind, that a concept like this could never work, even with me at the helm"
But always one to see his dreams become reality, Dougie continued with the plans and what was to come was would inspire many dancers. Led by international dance superstar 4 time World Champion Gareth Mitchelson, the cast included 7 Australian Champion dancers; Champion of Champions Winners Craig Johnston and Lisa Turner, 5 time Australasian Champion Chantelle Burke, Australian Commonwealth Champion Jamie-Lee Emmett, Kyle Marston, an up and coming Australian male who placed runner-up to current World Champion David Wilton in the Scottish Boys Championship, 7 time World Championship representative and co-choreographer of DUTK Caroline McFarland and Dougie himself; in total more than 300 championship wins between these 8 dancers.
DUTK was born. From the anticipation of opener 'The Wait has Gone'Â, through emotional pieces 'My Farewell' and 'The Struggle Within'Â, to the all class 'Over the Swords'Â and crowd pleasing 'Awesome Foursome' into the fast paced - non stop 'Final Fling' this concept arrived to a receptive audience and a prosperous future
And so the audience was treated to a piece of dancing history as Douglas McFarland presented his show, with a stellar cast, vibrant costuming and innovative soundtrack. Furthermore DUTK 05 would go on to sell DVD's all over the world.
However Down Under the Kilt was never to be a one night only show and is now creating an avenue for dancers the World over to present themselves in choreographic pieces, highlighting their talent and illuminating their personalities.
Dougie always intended Down Under the Kilt to be a show that could be performed in many formats, and the next instalment in this concert series will play the Laycock St Theatre in conjunction with the International Highland Dancing Championships of Australia on July 20th 2007.Â
DUTK 07 - Dreamtime Stories brings together 4 time World Champion Jacqueline Smith with Australian Champions Chantelle Burke, Belinda Lush, Kyle Marston, Caroline McFarland, Douglas McFarland, Natasha Millwood and Lisa Turner produced and directed by Douglas McFarland, presenting a story of Australia. It is a beautiful blend of the Scottish and Australian cultures and a show not to be missed.
Down Under the Kilt is the kind of show that presents Highland Dancing as more than a competitive sport. It celebrates the successes of dancers, presenting them in a personification of their true selves. It is Highland Dance magic and is creating a future for Highland Dancing in Australia.