WELCOME TO THE HODGKIN HIGHLANDERS SCHOOL OF DANCE
*** UPDATED 8/16/10 ***
*** UPDATED 8/19/10 ***
Thank you for getting to know us! Founded in 1992 by instructor Holly Hodgkin, the school has a long history of providing excellent competitive and recreational Scottish Highland Dancing instruction in mid-Michigan. Our "boutique" studio offers an outstanding learning environment where the instructors, dancers, and families engage in not only improving their dance skills through customized instruction, but nurturing friendships and family bonds which continue beyond the classroom. Hodgkin Highlanders students consistently find great success in competitions, winning individual dancing awards to-date totaling in the thousands. They also perform locally for area civic groups, cultural events, nursing homes, churches and the like. The Hodgkin Highlanders School of Dance invites you to check out our site and contact us for additional information, instruction, workshops or performances. WHAT IS SCOTTISH HIGHLAND DANCING?
Scottish Highland Dancing is a unique art form, combining strength and athleticism with rhythm and grace. The dances date back centuries and each have their own histories. Students of Scottish Highland Dancing learn the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Flora MacDonald’s Fancy and the Sailor’s Hornpipe, among other dances. Highland Dancing is a celebration of Scottish culture, tradition and heritage. The skirl of the bagpipes and the swish of the kilt make the highlander’s heart long for home.
While Scottish Highland Dancing is a beautiful performance art, it is also a competitive sport. Dancers have the option of entering into competition, pitting their skills against those of other dancers from all corners of the world. Dancers are categorized by age and skill level as Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Premier dancers. Dancers advance through the various levels with accumulated competitive successes. The Hodgkin Highlanders School of Dance instructs dancers at all competitive levels.
WHY CHOOSE HIGHLAND DANCING?
Highland Dancing offers students a unique opportunity to explore the traditions and heritage of Scotland. It is unlike all other dance forms. It provides both a structured and creative outlet with LOTS of performance opportunities (not just one recital at the end of the year!). The costumes are beautiful, the shoes are cool, the music is really different and above all, it is fun!