A YOUNG dancer who has just returned home to Inverclyde after an ‘amazing’ week spent performing in the incredible setting of Colorado's Rocky Mountains is now setting her sights on the Edinburgh tattoo.
Isla McGregor, 17, recently joined a team of 20 dancers from across Scotland, Canada and the United States at the Estes Park International Tattoo.
The event is one of the longest-running military displays in the US and brings together an international cast of performers.
Isla took part in two shows and a preview while in Colorado, as well as featuring in a parade.
Along with her team, the former St Columba’s High School pupil performed three routines in each show.
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Isla spent almost a full day travelling there and back, taking two flights out to Denver and three home.
Despite the long journeys and dancing in up to 30 degree heat, she said she would love to do it all over again.
Isla added: “The travelling was a lot but it was worth the journey.
“The whole experience is just amazing – meeting new people, seeing new places, learning different dance technique.
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“Not many people see that kind of thing out there very often, so it was quite overwhelming.”
Isla also took the opportunity to compete whilst in Colorado, finishing runner-up at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival.
The trip was Isla’s second tattoo experience after she travelled to Sweden with members of Greenock’s Jackson Dance and Performing Arts Studio in 2017.
Having now gained more experience, she hopes to audition for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the International Tattoo in Belgium next year.
Isla said: “Thank you to my dance teacher Linda Jackson for all her help and support through my journey to Colorado, helping with steps and the process of auditioning.
“And thank you to Team Jackson Dance Studios for everyone’s help and support.”
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