Whatever you do, don’t go near haunted Kirk Alloway at midnight.
You might run into the Witches of Doon.
That’s what Kate told her ne’er-do-well husband Tam O’Shanter before he headed off to enjoy market day in the village. 
But as the poet said, “Ah Tam, hadst thou but been sae wise, as ta’en thy ain wife Kate’ s advice!”
The poet was Robert Burns, who in 1790 wrote Tam O’Shanter, a masterpiece in English literature. The witches dwelt near the River Doon, which is spanned by a bridge, The Brig o’ Doon (sound familiar?); there’s a distinctive Scots cap worn by Tam O’Shanter (sound familiar?); and the beautiful witch Nannie wears a short shirt, or in Scots dialect, a cutty sark (sound familiar?). Tam had to depart the festive tavern because “Nae man can tether time or tide” (sound familiar?).
It’s a wonderful, witty, funny poem. You can read it here. Even better, you can watch Kentucky Ballet Theatre bring the poem to life on the Opera House stage.
“The piper loud and louder blew,
The dancers quick and quicker flew.
Hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys and reels
Put life and mettle in their heels.”
Dance is a central element in the poem, and this new adaptation by Kentucky Ballet Theatre effortlessly employs dance as the storytelling medium. An expert in Scottish dancing provided authentic steps for the performers. Highland dancing, Scottish country dancing, and even a sword dance will sweeten the strong, graceful ballet maneuvers for which Kentucky Ballet Theatre is renowned.
Haste ye back to the Opera House for this first-ever ballet production. And bring along the wee ones—they’ll love it!
