About Us!
Why Scottish Highland Dancing?
"With so many choices of activities and sports available for children, Highland dance is one that provides enduring benefits that reach far beyond learning the traditional dances of Scotland.
Considered both a sport and an art form, Highland dance builds strong and flexible bodies, improves agility, coordination and balance and increases bone density. More importantly Highland dance imparts lessons that last a lifetime. Dancers learn goal-setting, self-discipline, resilience, and adaptability."
-- Raising the Barre, A Research-Based Guide to Teaching Highland Dancing
Scottish Highland dancing is the perfect combination of art and sport. It combines the technical elements, grace, and beauty of dance with the strength and coordination found in the competitive aspects of sport. You do not have to be of Scottish heritage to participate in this form of dance. Whether your interest is in performing or competing, Highland dancing is for you! Boys and girls of all ages and skill levels perform and compete together throughout the year at local, national, and international events.
Wearing the traditional kilt and dancing to bagpipe music, your child will develop the skills that will give them valuable experiences that can have a positive impact throughout their lives.
Scottish Highland dancing boosts brain power!
Hard wires brain for learning
Increases intelligence
Improves memory
Develops Right/Left Brain Neural Pathways
Helps Attention Disorders
Increases ability to concentrate
Children who choose to do Highland Dancing tend to excel in school because it is one of the very few activities that use cross-lateral integration exclusively to perform movements. This practice significantly improves reading and math skills.
Highland Dancing Builds Strong Bodies!
Increases bone density
Builds muscular strength
Improves Coordination
Increases Balance
Develops Flexibility
Improves Motor Skills
Raises Agility Level
Fosters Strong Cardiovascular System
Improves Posture
Has Cross Over Effect for Other Sports and Other Activities
Scottish Highland Dancing Builds Character!
Promotes quality family time
Opportunities to travel
Fosters lifelong friendships
Teaches sportsmanship and coach-ability
Builds self-confidence
Opportunities for scholarships in dance and in higher education
Book a complimentary trial lesson!
Competition & performance
Competition is at the heart of Highland dancing and all dancers are encouraged to compete. The skills acquired through competition and performance are invaluable in life and are a large part of what makes Highland dancers and alumni into successful lawyers, medical professionals, engineers, educators, published authors, clergy, first responders, elected officials and members of professional dance companies.
Studio location
Our classes are held at Sierra 2 Center in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento. Featuring professional dance floors, a ballet barre, and full-length mirror, the studio provides and excellent in-class experience.
Sierra 2 Center
2791 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95818
Awards & honors
2022
Anne Grey
City of Trees Competition, Backwards Fling Choreography Trophy Winner, Novice All Ages
2019
Constanza Pfeng
US Scottish Highland Dance National Championships (USIR) Las Vegas, Novice Competition Medal Winner
2018
Haley Nash
Woodland Celtic Games, Class Trophy - Beginner 18+
Mother Lode Highland Games, Class Trophy - Beginner 18+
Constanza Pfeng
City of Trees Competition, Class Trophy - Beginner 17+
2017
Jessica Bach
Nan Daley Open Premiership, 5th Runner-Up 16+
Sacramento Valley Championship, 5th Runner-Up 16+
Constanza Pfeng
City of Trees Competition, Class Trophy - Beginner 12+
2016
Jessica Bach
·Sacramento Valley Championship, 5th Runner-Up 16+
Natalie McNeill
·Sacramento Valley Championship - 3rd Runner-Up 18+
·Sacramento Valley Premiership, 4th Runner-Up 16+
·Western Region Open Championship - 4th Runner-Up 18+
·Caledonian Club of San Francisco Premiership - 3rd Runner-Up 18+
·City of Trees Competition, Class Trophy - Premier 16 & Over
·City of Trees Competition, Solo Choreography Winner 16+
·City of Trees Competition, Cakewalk Choreography Winner 16+
2015
Natalie McNeill
· Caledonian Club of San Francisco Premiership, 4th Runner-Up, 16+
2013
Natalie McNeill
· Santa Cruz Games, Class Trophy - Premier 16+
2012
Jessica Bach
· Sacramento Caledonian Club - Dancer to the Chief
about the director
Jessica Bach began dancing and competing in 1999, thanks to an exposure to Highland dancing through her grandfather's "Irish" pub which had Highland dancers and bagpipers perform every St. Patrick's Day. Her competitive and performance career has included such highlights as performing at Epcot Center in Disney World, winning various awards, and dancing in theatres at the premier for the Pixar film Brave.
In 2010, Jessica became certified to teach competitive Highland dance by becoming a member of the British Association of Teacher of Dancing. She also became a member of the ScotDance USA, the organization for Highland dance teachers in the U.S. In 2017, Jessica was elected as the Western Regional Delegate for ScotDance USA which gave her a two-year seat on the National Board of Directors. She is currently a Member of the Scottish Dance Teachers' Alliance. In 2018, Jessica and her local Sacramento-area teachers formed Scot Dance Sacramento to promote Highland dance in their area.
These days, Jessica travels more extensively than ever in order to attend performances, competitions, workshops, and conferences with her dancers to help them as successful as possible in their efforts. Her students' successes and perseverance are what continue to drive her to be the best teacher she can be! She credits her teacher and mentor, Kyla Groeschel, for providing her the tools and encouragement to excel as a dancer and teacher and to begin the road to becoming a Highland dancing judge.