Scottish Dance groups in the United States

This page contains Scottish Dance groups I know of in the United States, together with links to their home pages if I know of them. For some groups I only have their homepage link. I have marked these with "(link only)". If I have missed your favourite group out, I'd love to know so I can add them to this page.

There are also pages for groups in

You might also like Anselm Lingnau's World SCD map. Note I can claim no credit (or blame) for this.

Since anyone anywhere in the world can read this page, I have not included contact addresses or telephone numbers unless I have specifically been given permission. Please contact me if you want contact information.

The groups are arranged by state and then in alphabetical order of location, and are:

The Scottish Country Dancers of Acadiana, Lafayette, Louisiana

Scottish Country Dancers of Acadiana meets almost every Thursday night Neither Larry Clarke nor Dan Latour are with us anymore. We meet at 7:00 p.m. at Girard Park Rec Center in Lafayette on Thursdays. Contact Donna Richmond (337-236-3755).

The group provides demonstrations to other interested groups or organizations and is associated with the Caledonian Society of Acadiana and the Krewe of the Celts.

Information supplied by Dan Latour and Donna Richmond.

The Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Scottish Country Dancers of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge meet Monday nights at the Church of the Way on N Foster Drive, 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Beginners welcome. Call Todd Pierce (504)-753-0653 for more info, or see their web page.

Information supplied by Todd Pierce (tpierce@terrabase.com).

Boise Scottish Country Dance Group

Boise's Scottish Country Dance Group, The Thistle and Ghillies, dancing since 2001! Join us for our ongoing classes on Monday and Wednesday nights. Check out our web site and Email dance@thistleandghillies.org for more information.

Information supplied by Mairi Hand.

Boston RSCDS Branch

The Boston Branch of the RSCDS is the oldest Branch ouside the UK. In the year 2000 we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary.

Classes are held in various places in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and even in New York State, close to the Massachusetts border. You may notice that I have not mentioned Connecticut. There is a Branch in New Haven which deals with most classes in that State.

We also hold a Highland Ball in May, have a Summer School in July, and give a concert of music and dance in November.

Each class has its own contact, but it is suggested that you contact Jeanetta McColl (JMcColl526@aol.com) to obtain further information about your area of interest.

we have a web site at http://www.rscdsboston.org/.

Information supplied by Jeanetta McColl (JMcColl526@aol.com).

Brae Moor Scottish School of Highland Dancers, Athens, Georgia

The Brae Moor Scottish Highland Dancers has been in operation since March 1997 and is the only school of Highland Dancing within a 60-mile radius of Athens, Georgia. Semi-private lessons are held for children and adults in the evenings at various times during the week. Students focus on the competitive side of Highland Dancing, and their training is supplemented with performances at local nursing homes, cultural events, schools, and community events.

The teacher is Jennifer Porter, a nineteen year veteran of Highland Dancing. She is a member of BATD. Ms. Porter has represented the Southeastern Region twice at National Championship competition.

Please contact Ms. Porter concerning available classes via e-mail at djexplor@athens.net or by phone at (706) 742-7089. The mailing address is 172 Glendale Heights, Winterville, Georgia 30683.

In addition, Ms. Porter will be teaching Highland Dancing in a community education class at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education at the University of Georgia. Please contact the Georgia Center for information regarding this class.

They have a web page at http://members.aol.com/bekonomics/page/index.htm.

Information supplied by Jennifer Porter (djexplor@athens.net)

The Burgin Academy of Scottish Dance Arts, Charlotte, North Carolina

The Burgin Academy of Scottish Dance Arts holds classes twice a week: on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The school is run by Anne Burgin Andrews, a Scottish official board Adjudicator, and fellow life member of the BATD. I reside in Charlotte NC, and my daughter teaches along with me - Elaine Burgin. she won the regional Championships 10 times, and was many times runner up at the USIR. Anne is dance organizer of Lochnorman Highland Games Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Gatlinburg HG, and Charleston Scottish Games. This year July 12th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will host the USIR.

Contact:
Anne Andrews
201 Hillside Ave # E
Charlotte North Carolina 28209
Email: queenieb@bellsouth.net
Tel: PH 704-332-2761

Cas Dannsa, Gurnee, Illinois

Gaelic for "Dancing Feet", Cas Dannsa is a newly formed company of talented dancers who weave ballet, tap and modern dance with traditional highland dance. The reason for starting the new company was to do something different, innovative, and spectacular while keeping the Scottish flavor. The result is fresh and entertaining.

Many of the dancers started as highland dancers in the Gillan School of Dance formed by Leslie Gillan in 1976. Leslie maintains her Full Membership certificate in Highland and National Dances through the Brittish Association of Teachers of Dance. She is also trained to teach pre-dance, pre-ballet, jazz, and tap. Her studio, "Ballet, Tap, and All That Jazz," is located in Gurnee, Illinois. She is available to teach preschool and grammar school programs in dance upon request.

For further information about Cas Dannsa or the dance studio, please call Leslie Gillan at (847) 244-4944.

Information submitted by Kendra Douglas <kdouglas@students.wisc.edu>.

Cincinnati Highland Dancers

We are the Cincinnati Highland Dancers, a competition and performance group in Southwest Ohio, USA. We offer classes through Allegro Dance Arts studio Monday - Thursday for children and adults of all abilities.

Louise L. Reid
Member BATD
Day Phone: 513.558.8976
Evening Phone: 513.528.5578
Fax: 513.528.4732
Email: LouiseLReid@hotmail.com

City of Angels Highland Dance Troupe

The City of Angels Highland Dance Troupe is made up of competitive Highland dancers who are also trained in ballet, jazz, ballroom, tap and other forms of Celtic dance. The troupe boasts national, international and world championship medalists. Every dancer is capable of performing the traditional Scottish dances as well as unique choreography.

The performers that make up this professional dance group have appeared at major venues throughout the United States and abroad. The troupe, which has up to 16 available dancers, was founded by four active members of the Scottish Highland community.

We have a web site at http://www.cahdt.com/.

Information submitted by John Raymond <chillincoder@yahoo.com>.

Silk and Thistle class of Chicago Branch

The Silk and Thistle class is taught by Doug Jensen, a physicist at Fermilab, and it meets on the site of Fermi National Accelerator Lab in the western suburbs of Chicago. There is a website for the class which is part of the Chicago Branch site. For more current information one can also check http://www.fnal.gov/orgs/scottishdance.

Information provided by Mady Newfield.

Columbia School of Highland Dancing, Columbia, Maryland *Highland*

The Columbia School of Highland Dancing has been in operation since 1976. The director, Bonnie Wylie, is a member of the BATD and adjudicator for the SOBHD. She teaches classes for children and adults. The focus of the school is on competitive Highland Dancing, although they perform regularly with a local pipe band as well as at Scottish functions and other community events.

Most classes just now are on Tuesday evenings but that changes from time to time depending upon when people are available.

The school can be reached by email at: Bonniwylie@aol.com or by phone on (410) 995-0718 or (410) 730-5718. The mailing address is: 8574 Hayshed Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21045, USA.

Information supplied by Bonnie Wylie (BonniWylie@aol.com)

Columbus Highland Dancers, Columbus, Ohio *Highland*

Columbus Highland Dancers was founded in 1982 and has been going strong since. Involved in the promotion of all forms of Highland dancing.

Contact Mary Peden-Pitt
Phone +1 614.279.6198
Email Mlppcshd@aol.com
Website highlanddance.tripod.com

Information provided by John Fraser.

Dunedin Scottish Country Dancers, FL

Dunedin Scottish Country Dancers meet on Sunday evenings, with a basic class at 5:30pm, followed by a Social Class from 7:00-9:30. They are taught by Tony Moretti, Valerie Harris, Charlie Simpson and Connie Powell. Classes cost $2.00 for a regular evening, or $3.00 for a party evening (with musician).

They can be contacted at:

Dunedin Scottish Country Dancers
c/o Scottish American Association
917 Louden Avenue
Dunedin, FL
Tel: (813) 736-4121

or by email to the chairman, Bob Peirson (RJPScot@aiol.com).

Information supplied by C Powell (Cpowell111@aol.com).

Daphne Sippel Wright School of Highland Dance (Farmington Hills, Michigan)

Classes are on Thurday nights, 6-8:30 depending on the dancers level.

Contact: dwright@wp-int.com.

Information supplied by Daphne Sippel Wright (dwright@wp-int.com).

Fligmagearie Scottish Step Dancers (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

We are a small group of step dancers who hold classes every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis. We also perform occasionally around the Twin Cities. We'd love to expand our ranks, so welcome both new and experienced dancers.

For Information contact Lara Friedman-Shedlov (ldfs@bigfoot.com).

Gillan School of Highland Dance, Gurnee, Illinois & Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Gillan School of Highland Dance is run by Leslie Gillan in Gurnee, Illinois on Tuesdays and Thursday, and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesdays. Leslie also runs Cas Dannsa. Leslie maintains her Full Membership certificate in Highland and National Dances through the British Association of Teachers of Dance. She is also trained to teach pre-dance, pre-ballet, jazz, and tap. Her studio, "Ballet, Tap, and All That Jazz," is located in Gurnee, Illinois. She is available to teach pre-school and grammar school programs in dance upon request.

In Gurnee, the classes are held in:

The Place for Ballet, Tap, and All that Jazz
83 Ambrogio Drive, Unit A
Gurnee, IL 60031 USA
Tel. # (847) 244-4944

Tuesdays: Highland I: 4:00-5:00
Highland II: 5:00-6:30
Advanced Highland: 6:30-8:30
Thursdays: Highland Technique: 5:30-7:15

In Milwaukee, the classes are held in:

Ballet Wisconsin
4060 Oakland
Shorewood, WI USA
(847) 244-4944.

Wednesdays: Beginners 6:00-6:30
Intermediate/Advanced 6:30-8:30

Information submitted by Kendra Douglas <kdouglas@students.wisc.edu>.

Highland Mist Scottish Country Dancers, St Charles, Missouri

The Highland Mist dancers meet at the American Youth Performing Arts Center in St Charles, Missouri. They dance two Saturday afternoons and one Sunday afternoon a month, and they hold an annual ball in June. Their website (www.highlandmistdancers.org) has more details.

Contact: Doug Schneider (ParadiseMO@aol.com)

Birmingham Scotia Dancers, Hoover, Alabama

We are the Birmingham Scotia Dancers and our class meets on Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30pm at the Congregation Beth Hallel on Sumpter Street in Hoover, AL, taught by Karen Cunningham.

We are on Facebook under: Birmingham Area Scotia Country Dancers

Information supplied by Melissa Laird

SCD in Houston

(Scottish Country Dancing, with occasionally ceilidh, folk, round, ballroom, swing, Irish, country western, and more)

The group meets on Wednesdays at the Oddfellows Hall, (Heights), Houston, Texas 115 E 14th St. 3rd building on the NORTH side of 14th just east of Heights Blvd.; entrance is on the right, set back from the road; dancing is upstairs. MAP PHOTO OF HALL

Relaxed atmosphere, fun, good exercise. Dress informal. NO PARTNERS NEEDED.

We are a mixed level group, including new dancers and dancers with many years of experience. Wear soft soled shoes that stay on well. Cost: $5 Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm

They can be contacted through
Dianna L. Shipman diannashipman@comcast.net
1302 Waugh Drive, #134, Houston, Texas 77019-4944.
They have a web site at http://home.comcast.net/~celtic.houston/SCDM.htm

Information supplied by Dianna L. Shipman

Caldwell School of Highland Dance, Houston, Texas

I have a dance school in the Clear Lake Area of Houston, Texas. We are located south east of the city, very close to the Johnson Space Center. I use the studios of Amy Blake's Academy of Dance. I am currently teaching students aged 7 years to adult. I have students competing in Beginner, Novice and Premiere. I hold classes on Monday (beginner) at 6:30 and on Wednesday (non-beginner) at 8:00 pm. Since listing with Amy Blake in the yellow pages, I am expecting to grow and to add more classes next term.

Information supplied by Catherine Caldwell.

Jacksonville SCD group, North Florida

This group holds classes on Thursdays, from 7:00-9:00pm. They meet at
Mark Spivak�s Dance Extension
3740 San Jose Pl
Jacksonville, Fl 32258

Contact: Anne Hueser, Teacher
email: annehueser@comcast.net
phone:321-302-4152
Meredith Munsey
email: Munsey.Meredith@mayo.edu
phone: 904-535-8868.

Information supplied by Meredith Munsey and Curt Beadell.

Mid-Michigan Highland Dance Academy

The Mid-Michigan Highland Dance Academy has been in existance for over 28 years under the direction of Christie Freestone. The goal of M.M.H.D.A. is to promote the Scottish Arts through the performance of Highland dancing in exhibition and competition. M.M.H.D.A. dancers have competed throughout the United States and Canada and have gone to Scotland three times. Members include a number of Champion dancers.

Each year dancers from our studio have represented the Midwest Region at the United States Championships. Current and past members have included 16 National Runner-ups and a 30 major North American championships.

The group can be contacted at kdgood@sensible-net.com or by leaving a message at 517-463-2983. They have a web page at http://www.MMHDA.com/.

Information supplied by Mary MacMartin and John M. Crombie.

Lakes Area School of Highland Dance, White Lake, Michigan

The Lakes Area School of Highland Dance, located in southeast Michigan, offers classes in traditional Highland dance for all levels, ages 4 through adult, competitive and/or recreational. Classes are ongoing throughout the year.

Our website includes info for the school and Highland Dance in general. There are also links to other Highland Dance related sites. It is updated bi-weekly so information is always current.

Web site: www.lashd.com.

Information supplied by Jennifer Miller Pierson.

Queen of Scots Dance Academy, Washington Township, Michigan

The Queen of Scots Dance Academy, founded in 1998, provides Scottish Highland Dance lessons for students of all ages. Established as a competitive dance studio, founder and dance instructor Bree Erin Brownlee works with her dancers to compete at regional and national competitions. The QSDA focuses on having a nurturing, family environment for dancer, parent and teacher. We pride ourselves on not only providing quality dance instruction, but also a fun atmosphere where kids can find life-long friends and make wonderful memories.

Web site: www.QOSDA.com

Information provided by Bree Brownlee

Murphy School of Highland Dance, Dallas, Texas

The Murphy Highland Dance school is located in the North Texas area. We have classes all around the Dallas Ft.worth area, taught by Karen Murphy. Our school performs all around the North Texas area and competes all over the region and beyond.

We welcome students 5 years to adults. Come ready to work hard and have some fun!

Contact:
Email: murphyhighland@hotmail.com
Tel: 214-908-5810
Web: sites.google.com/site/murphyhighlanddanceacademy.

Information provided by Karen Murphy.

Dallas Highland Dancers, Dallas, Texas

Founded in 1992 by Fiona Robertson Alpaugh, the Dallas Highland Dancers have a long history of providing excellent instruction in Highland dancing. Our dancers range from four years of age to adult and from beginner to advanced levels. We offer competitive and recreational programs. The DHD perform in approximately 20 shows per year and dancers of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in these exciting performances at local and regional festivals, parties, parades, and demonstrations.

Highland dancing offers students a unique opportunity to explore the traditions and heritage of Scotland, as well as to gain coordination, grace and self-discipline. It provides both a structured and creative outlet for dancers of all ages. Our mission is to share our passion by educating others in traditional Scottish Highland dancing. Our studios offer an outstanding learning environment where instructors, dancers and their families focus on not only learning and perfecting dance technique, but also celebrat ing Scottish culture and forming friendships that continue long after the bagpipes fall silent. All are welcome in the DHD dance family, regardless of age, sex, nationality, color, creed, or experience. With the DHD, you belong!

Contact:
Fiona Robertson Alpaugh, Founder & Director
Emily Murer, Instructor
Tel: 214.878.2468
Email: dancingkilts@hotmail.com
Web: dancingkilts.com

RSCDS New York Branch, NY

RSCDS New York Branch meets at Holy Cross School, 332 W. 43 St. New York City (between 8th and 9th Avenues). Weekly classes are Thursday Nights 7:30-8:45, Tea and then Social dancing from 9-10 PM.

The website (http://www.rscdsnewyork.org/) lists special parties and balls at local New York groups.

Contact us at info@rscdsnewyork.org or by mail
Sheila E. Wilson
Membership Secretary
901 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10021

Information supplied by Christine Forkner (webmaster@rscdsnewyork.org).

Cameron dancers, New York, NY

Cameron Dancers meet on Friday nights at Fifth Ave. Presbyterian Church, 7 W 55 St, New York, NY

They have a web site at http://www.scotia-dance.org/Cameron.html, and another at http://www.rscdsnewyork.org/cameron.html.

Information supplied by Christine Forkner (forkner@shiva.hunter.cuny.edu) and Jack E. Cole, Jr (ScotiaDMP@aol.com)

Scotia dancers, New York, NY

Scotia Dancers meet on Monday nights at Madison Ave. Baptist Church, 30 East 31st Street, New York, NY

They have web sites at http://www.scotiadancers.org/ and at http://www.rscdsnewyork.org/scotia.html, and an unofficial web site at http://www.panix.com/~wlinden/scotia.html.

Contact webmaster@rscdnewyork.org.

Jo Moore's School of Scottish Dance, Raleigh, North Carolina

Established in Cary in 1992, the School is owned by Jo Moore, a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance and an adjudicator for the Scottish Official Board. Her students have won 17 major championships, including the United States Interregional Championship.

Classes are available for students ages 4 to adult. Primary classes (6 and under) use music and games to improve large motor development, stretching, and strengthening, while learning the basic movements of the sword dance. All classes emphasize fitness, self motivation, and age appropriate social skills. The classes are structured but the atmosphere is informal.

Web site: http://scottishdance.citysearch.com/
E-mail address: jkalat@nc.rr.com
1401G SE Maynard Rd
Cary, NC 27511
Tel: (919) 380-1544

The Scottish Country Dancers of Richmond, VA

Contact: Moira Turner 804-647-2164 or Margaret Murphy 804-519-9262.
Web: www.richmondscottishcountrydancers.org

Classes Tuesdays 5:00-6:30pm at The Dance Space, 6004-A West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230.

Information supplied by Moira Turner.

St. Thomas' School of Highland Dancing, Houston, Texas

St. Thomas' Episcopal is a small private school in Houston, TX. The dance teachers are Diane Krugh and Donna Cusack, and the bagpipe and drum band is led by Michael Cusack. For a number of years now women and men have gone to Scotland to compete for the world champion title. Their band has been successful as well as their band director. While the women, as far as I know, have not been so successful, they have come close.

Information supplied by Kyle Grant (kg22762@swt.edu)

Dancing in San Jose, CA

Monday

The San Jose Class meets at 7:30 pm, American Legion Hall, 1504 Minnesota Ave, San Jose, CA
Contacts: Sparky Gregory (408) 257-2294; Jonathan Lovell (408) 924-4437; elovell2001@yahoo.com
Teachers: Marianna Harvey; Bob McMurtry; Paula Jacobson; Kathy Allen
website: http://rscdssj.org/.

Wednesday

Wednesdays: 7:45pm Mountain View Class, Mountain View Sports Pavillion - 1185 Castro St.
Contact: Denise Francis 510 713-7813
web: http://www.mtview-rscds.org/index.html.

Santa Cruz - First Congregational Church, 900 High St.
Call Dotty Lieber 831-423-6165 or Colleen Brokaw 831-477-0654
Teachers: Juliet Davoren; Sara E Gratiot

Friday

San Jose (Campbell Class)Friday - The Dance Affair, 850 N. Winchester Blvd. - (at Prunedale/Hedding).
Beginners: 7:30; Intermediate: 8:30. Teachers Rebecca Davis and Kathryn M Allen
Call Rebecca Davis 408-378-3817 or Kathryn M Allen 408-252-8406.

Information supplied by Ellen Lovell.

RSCDS Twin Cities Branch (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota)

The Branch holds mixed-level classes Monday nights in Minneapolis from September to May, as well as twice a month advanced and basics classes. We host several informal social dances throughout the year, and two major balls, the Failte Ball in December and the Grand Ball in February or March.

See our web site at http://www.rscds-twincities.org/ or contact Lara Friedman-Shedlov (ldfs@bigfoot.com).

Rhythms of Grace Dance, Scottish Highland Dance Classes, Minneapolis, MN.

Rhythms of Grace Dance offers classes for competitive Scottish Highland dancers as well as a less intense class for adults focusing on stretching, coordination, and strength. Classes are for ages 4- adult and are held on Tuesday evenings in Saint Paul. Please call or e-mail for additional classes and locations.

Kimberly Meirose, Certified Highland Dance Teacher since 1993 with United Kingdom Alliance.

Email: rhythmsofgrace@usfamily.net
Tel: 763-218-9133

Information supplied by Kim Bennet.

The Whole Nine Yards, Lafayette, Indiana

We are a dance group in Lafayette, Indian who calls ourselves "The Whole Nine Yards". We've been active for over 25 years, and happily accept all ages and skill levels. We normally dance every Thursday night.

Contact: Milo Mills
Email: Milo Mills (msurmint@gmail.com)
Tel: 765-479-2493


If you have any other societies you would like me to include here, please mail me with a description. Please also get in touch if you disagree with any of the descriptions already here, and offer your view of the societies. If you want me to publish your view, however, you must give me permission to attribute it to you.
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ian@scottishdance.net
Edinburgh, Scotland

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