January 2006

DOUGIE: Firstly, you have won 4 World Championships and danced at Cowal for many years, what was is like this year to be watching from the stand?

TONY: It was a lot of fun watching the Worlds as a spectator, especially having no pressure on myself because I no longer compete.

DM. It certainly wasn't the same without you, do you see yourself competing at Cowal again?

TC. I don't see myself competing at Cowal again as I feel that I've achieved more than I ever hoped to achieve in Highland. I am just focusing on teaching my students now.

DM. Of the 4 World Championships which was the most memorable?

TC. They were all memorable in their own ways, but the most memorable would be winning the Adult Worlds in 2004 as I went through a lot that year and I also competed with a stress fracture. It was also memorable as my step-brother (David Wilton) won the Juvenille Worlds that year also.

DM. Do you miss the competitions?

TC. Not really, as I now have new challenges in my life now. However, I do miss meeting up with friends who I have made throughout my many years of competing.

DM. Since retiring from competition you have kept yourself involved in many ways, tell us about your new role.

TC. I'm now working as a Highland Dance Instructor on Prince Edward Island in Canada at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts. This involves sharing my passion and knowledge of Highland Dancing with students who attend the College, we take students from all over the world and we have 4 disciplines, Bagpiping, Drumming, Step Dancing and Highland Dancing.

DM. Which do you prefer, dancing or teaching?

TC. They both have their own challanges and being honest I haven't been teaching long enough to know yet. You also don't have to put up with the aches and pains when you teach, beause it's a lot easier on your body.

DM. And now that you have stopped competing, do you see yourself becoming a judge?

TC. I will sit the test at some point in the future, I will need to pass the test first of all and If I do, I'd like to try judging someday.

DM. Where do you see Highland in the future?

TC. I believe that Highland will roughly be in the same position as it is just now, I don't really see much changing in the near future.

DM. What do you see as needing improvement if the sport is to move forward?

TC. I believe a there are many aspects that need changed, but I'm better off not discussing this subject, haha.

DM. You've danced all over the world, what is your favourite moment?

TC. Outwith competing, it would have to be either performing in Beijing or at the Amsterdam Arena, both for different reasons. I loved performing in Beijing because it was part of a multi cultural event, I really enjoyed meeting people from different cultures and seeing what kind of entertainment they gave to the world. I really enjoyed performing at the Amsterdam Arena as I'm a huge soccer fan and being able to perform infront of 60 thousand people was a dream come true.

DM. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

TC. I honestly have no idea, but I hope that I still have my health and that I'm enjoying life like I am now

Thanks for spending time with www.downunderthekilt.com and all the best with your new position.