Isla busking her way to China
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A SPEYSIDE dancer is attempting to busk her way to the other side of the world – spreading a little happiness on the way.
Isla van der Heiden has been touring the streets of Moray with her trusty ukulele to raise money for a trip to China.
The 16-year-old will be among students from the Brenda and Alison Gordon Schools of Dance performing Highland dance at the Beijing Tourism Festival.
Having sung at a recent concert at Aberlour Parish Church, Isla struck upon the idea to combine her love for music with raising funds.
“The warmth and generosity of the Moray community is something to be proud of, and recently it has come out to support me when I shared my music with them,” the Speyside High pupil said.
“I haven’t been playing the ukulele long, but learning the guitar has helped me get the hang of it much faster.
“I have been playing some catchy classic tunes such as ‘Build me up buttercup’, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’, and ‘Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows’ in the hope that I will bring a smile to people’s faces.
“The ukulele is a very happy sounding instrument, and because the summer has been so bad I have been trying to bring some sunshine on to the streets.
“I would like to thank the shopkeepers in Moray for their patience, as I have been playing the same songs over and over outside of their shops, and of course all those who have put money in my rainbow-coloured hat!”
Isla, from Edinvillie, has been dancing since she was in primary school and can’t wait for the opportunity to perform in China.
The dance school has also run a series of other fund-raising activities for the trip, from bingos?and soup and sweets to coffee mornings and ceilidhs.
Taking place in September, the Beijing Tourism Festival attracts performers from countries around the world.
