"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.

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.