'An incredible experience': Calgary teen makes history as Alberta's first world juvenile highland dance champion

A lass from Calgary has made history as the first Albertan to be crowned the Juvenile World Highland Dancing Champion, after competing at the prestigious Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Scotland.

Sadie Love, 14, competed at the more than century-old competition, which brings together Highland dancers from around the world, including Scotland, Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, among other countries.

Love qualified for the Juvenile World Championship final earlier in the week before winning the world title on Saturday.

She said it "still hasn't sunk in" that she won the global accolade in the country her style of dance originates.

"I love Highland dancing, and sharing the stage at Cowal with so many dancers I admire was such an incredible experience," she said in a news release. "Earning the World Champion title is something I'll always be proud of. It means so much to represent Calgary and Canada, and I couldn't have done it without my teachers, family and everyone who has supported me."

The Cowal Highland Gathering was first held in 1894, according to the event's website, which describes it as the "largest, most spectacular Highland games in the world." It's held in Dunoon, a town west of Glasgow on the Cowal peninsula, on the western shore of the upper Firth of Clyde.

In addition to the Highland dance component, the gathering also features bagpipe competitions, a Highland Games heavy athletics competition and a 5K fun run.

Love arrived in Scotland last week as the reigning 14 & Under 16 Canadian Champion for ScotDance Canada. Her world title this year follows a fourth-place finish at Cowal last summer.

She trains in Calgary with Gillie Callum Highland Dancers, where she is coached by instructors Megan Nettleton, Leah Smith and Ashley Stowkowy. She also trains online with Kate DeGood.

"Highland dancing has introduced me to so many wonderful people," Love said. "We compete against each other, but we also cheer for each other and build friendships with dancers from around the world. That community is one of the things I love most about what we do."

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