Classes

Classes in Mesquite are held at Stage Door Dance, 317 S Galloway,

Classes in Farmers Branch are held at Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place,

The following is required for dancers in all of our classes except Adult Highland: leotard, fitted shorts, knees socks and dance shoes (ghillies are preferable, but comparable shoes, such as black ballet slippers, are acceptable for beginners). Adult dancers are asked to wear knee socks and dance shoes, as well, and to choose body-conscious workout wear, such as shorts and a tank top or bike shorts and a t-shirt. Appropriate attire allows your instructor to observe your body alignment. We can't correct what we can't see! Please, no denim. Female dancers who have developed will find a minimal-bounce sports bra helpful, as Highland is a high-impact activity that involves a lot of jumping. Please arrive at class with your hair securely pulled back off your face in a ponytail or bun.

Students are placed into appropriate classes by instructors based upon experience and age. Classes are generally offered in concurrence with the academic year for local public school districts (end of August through the beginning of June). We observe major holidays and school closures due to inclement weather. Our classes have rolling registration, so new students may begin classes at any time. Summer classes and workshop schedules will be posted closer to the end of the school year. Please read the following course descriptions to learn more about our program.

Dancers who are at least 3 years of age but under the age of 7 begin in our Preschool Highland class. Dancers learn basic movements and performance/competition pieces including 16 Pas de Basques, Pas de Basques & Highcuts, and Hopscotch Polka. Preschool Highland is offered in Mesquite on Saturday mornings.

New dancers over the age of 7 generally start in the Beginning Highland class. Content is similar to the Preschool class, but Beginning Highland moves at a faster pace and is geared towards older dancers. Dancers learn basic movements and performance/competition pieces including the Highland Fling and Sword Dance. Beginning Highland is offered in Mesquite on Monday evening and Farmers Branch on Friday evenings.

After Beginning Highland, dancers progress to Highland 1. Dancers learn performance/competition pieces including the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas and Scottish Lilt. Highland 1 is offered in Mesquite on Monday evenings.

After Highland 1, dancers progress to Highland 2. Dancers learn performance/competition pieces including the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, Scottish Lilt, Reels, and Flora MacDonald's Fancy. Highland 2 is offered in Mesquite on Saturday mornings.

Highland 3 is our most advanced technique class. Dancers will learn all remaining dances: Wilt though go to Barracks, Johnny?, Highland Laddie, Blue Bonnets over the Border, Village Maid, Scotch Measure, Earl of Errol, Sailor's Hornpipe and Irish Jig. This class is open to all ages of dancers with the required skill to participate. Highland 3 is offered in Mesquite on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

New and continuing adult dancers are welcome at Adult Highland classes. Basic movements are learned and perfected, as with youth classes, but the focus of the class (i.e. which dances are learned) is more dependent on the goals of class members. Adult Highland is offered in Mesquite on Wednesday evenings and Farmers Branch on Friday evenings.

This class is mandatory for dancers who are part of the competition program. Dancers must be enrolled concurrently in a Highland technique class. Competition class is offered in Mesquite on Saturday mornings.

Interested in learning Highland dancing but live in another part of the Metroplex? Fiona and Emily are available to teach private classes at your location. Day/time of class and level of instruction can be tailored to fit your needs. Please contact us for more information. Minimum 3 students per private class, please.

Dallas Highland Dancers

Classes