Dance Center
After a few year hiatus we are excited to announce that Miss Alicia will be returning to our faculty at our new location at 79 Freestone Ave (the old St Francis Hall). Miss Alicia was a part of the Conn. Valley Dance Center faculty for many years with Ronna. She will be offering a vast array of exciting new classes for the summer. Stay tuned for our Open Houses (August 14th 5-7pm and August 24th 1-3pm).
About Scottish Highland Dance
Highland Dance is a traditional solo dance form of Scotland. The dances are vigorous requiring a combination of athleticism, grace, poise and precision and are typically danced to the music of the bagpipes. The foundations of the individual dances have a rich history steeped in tradition and legend. Their origins, in some cases, date back as far as the 15th and 16th century.
There are three different categories of dances a dancer will learn. The first is the Highland Dances, in which the dancer wears a kilt. These dances are energetic, and the movements of the head, arms and feet are sharp and precise. The second group are the National Dances. These dances have their origins in the step dances of Scotland and are more balletic in style. Female dancers wear a costume called an Aboyne and male dancers have the option to wear tartan trews (Trousers). The third group of dances learned is the Character dances and they utilize intricate footwork along with storytelling in both the arm movements and the costumes.
Highland Dance is considered both an art form and a sport and offers the unique opportunity for dancers to build strong bodies as well as strong characters. It fosters self-confidence, self-discipline, resilience and adaptability while developing muscular strength, increasing bone density, and improving brain function.
Classes are available for students age 4 to Adult. No previous dance experience is required.
Any age, any gender, any nationality-All are Welcome! if the swirl of the kilt and the skirl of the bagpipes calls to you: Highland Dance is for you!