Dance InstructionHighland dancing offers students a unique opportunity to gain coordination, grace, and self-discipline. It provides both a structured and creative outlet for dancers of all ages. Heart & Soles maintains an outstanding learning environment where dancers and their families can focus on learning and perfecting dance technique.
Heart & Soles offers small group instruction in traditional Scottish Highland dancing for Primary/Beginner dancers and individual/small group instruction for experienced dancers*. Heart & Soles accepts students as young as 5 and prides itself on being an adult-friendly Beginner Highland dance program. We welcome both male and female dancers in all classes. Potential students are encouraged to attend a complimentary class to learn more about Highland dancing and to determine if Highland dancing is a good fit for them. All dancers will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to participating in a Heart & Soles dance class. *Please note that, in accordance with professional ethical guidelines, we do not solicit/accept students currently studying with another certified Highland dance teacher |
This Just In!Heart & Soles is pleased to announce we will be offering Highland classes through Metro Arts - Tacoma, beginning in September 2013. Two convenient times are available, the earlier time to accommodate dancers who homeschool, and a later time time for dancers enrolled in public school. Registration is limited to 12 students per class to ensure each student receives individual attention.
Scottish Highland Dance I (Ages 7-13) Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 pm - Center at Norpoint Scottish Highland Dance I (Ages 7-13) Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 pm - Center at Norpoint Session 1 - 9/19 to 10/24 Session 2 - 11/7 to 12/19 (no class on Thanksgiving) |
Hey, look! There's Heart & Soles instructor Emily Murer (in the white dress) competing in 2009 (age 28)!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old does my child have to be before he/she can enroll in Highland dance lessons?
A: Most children can begin lessons at age 5-6, but we encourage you to consider the unique strengths of your child. While one child may have the physical coordination and attention span necessary to learn Highland dancing at a young age, for others it may be best to wait a year or two. You are always welcome to bring your child for a trial class before registering. Please contact us for more details.
Q: Do I/my child have to compete?
A: Heart & Soles dancers are never under pressure to compete. While there are many benefits of competition and we welcome all interested students to join the competition group, the focus of Heart & Soles has been and will continue to be education of students, families, and the general public through a strong recreational dance program.
Q: Do I/my child have to be Scottish to be a Highland dancer?
A: No! Although some dancers start lessons as a way to explore their Scottish heritage, many dancers don't have a drop of Scottish blood in them. Dancers of all ethnic and racial heritages fall in love with the athleticism and excitement of Scottish Highland dancing.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Heart & Soles class rates are very reasonable and less than many other extracurricular activities available in the greater Tacoma area. Please contact us for current rates.
Q: Where are classes offered?
A: Beginning in September 2013, Heart & Soles will be offering two classes through Metro Arts - Tacoma at the beautiful Center at Norpoint (see more information at the top of the page). If this location is not convenient for you, we still offer on-site classes (with a minimum of 3 participants) in your home or a mutually convenient location. Please contact us to discuss suitable locations for you/your child. The Heart & Soles office is located in University Place.
Q: What are the benefits of Highland dancing?
A: The physical benefits of any type of dance are obvious, but many people are surprised at how athletic Highland dancing actually is. The conditioning level needed to stay active in Highland dancing generally increases as the dancers get more advanced. Unlike many activities and forms of dancer where many quit once they reach their teens or even early "tweens", Highland dancers tend to stay active well into their late teens and beyond. A strong social component is very common among Highland dancers. Many of the dancers become fast friends and stay close through their years of dancing and beyond. Dance parents often develop lifelong friendships, as well.
One of the most beneficial aspects of Highland dancing is increased self-confidence. As most parents are aware, confidence is one of the major building blocks of a well-balanced young adult. It is rare to see a Highland dancer greatly lacking in self-esteem! Much of this is accomplished by regularly providing opportunities to get up in front of large crowds of people and performing. Over time, this and a commitment to working hard in class and practicing at home, among other factors like friendships and fun, all help to develop self-confidence.
Unlike some other forms of dance, Highland does not necessarily require a certain body type or natural ability in order to enjoy it and to be competitive. This is one of the reasons many dancers who begin at a young age stay active into their late teens and twenties, and one of the reasons why adult beginners can "catch up" with their experienced peers. While attaining Championship levels may be out of reach for some dancers, Highland is enjoyed by male and female dancers with a wide variety of body types and abilities, as evidenced at many shows and competitions.
A: Most children can begin lessons at age 5-6, but we encourage you to consider the unique strengths of your child. While one child may have the physical coordination and attention span necessary to learn Highland dancing at a young age, for others it may be best to wait a year or two. You are always welcome to bring your child for a trial class before registering. Please contact us for more details.
Q: Do I/my child have to compete?
A: Heart & Soles dancers are never under pressure to compete. While there are many benefits of competition and we welcome all interested students to join the competition group, the focus of Heart & Soles has been and will continue to be education of students, families, and the general public through a strong recreational dance program.
Q: Do I/my child have to be Scottish to be a Highland dancer?
A: No! Although some dancers start lessons as a way to explore their Scottish heritage, many dancers don't have a drop of Scottish blood in them. Dancers of all ethnic and racial heritages fall in love with the athleticism and excitement of Scottish Highland dancing.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Heart & Soles class rates are very reasonable and less than many other extracurricular activities available in the greater Tacoma area. Please contact us for current rates.
Q: Where are classes offered?
A: Beginning in September 2013, Heart & Soles will be offering two classes through Metro Arts - Tacoma at the beautiful Center at Norpoint (see more information at the top of the page). If this location is not convenient for you, we still offer on-site classes (with a minimum of 3 participants) in your home or a mutually convenient location. Please contact us to discuss suitable locations for you/your child. The Heart & Soles office is located in University Place.
Q: What are the benefits of Highland dancing?
A: The physical benefits of any type of dance are obvious, but many people are surprised at how athletic Highland dancing actually is. The conditioning level needed to stay active in Highland dancing generally increases as the dancers get more advanced. Unlike many activities and forms of dancer where many quit once they reach their teens or even early "tweens", Highland dancers tend to stay active well into their late teens and beyond. A strong social component is very common among Highland dancers. Many of the dancers become fast friends and stay close through their years of dancing and beyond. Dance parents often develop lifelong friendships, as well.
One of the most beneficial aspects of Highland dancing is increased self-confidence. As most parents are aware, confidence is one of the major building blocks of a well-balanced young adult. It is rare to see a Highland dancer greatly lacking in self-esteem! Much of this is accomplished by regularly providing opportunities to get up in front of large crowds of people and performing. Over time, this and a commitment to working hard in class and practicing at home, among other factors like friendships and fun, all help to develop self-confidence.
Unlike some other forms of dance, Highland does not necessarily require a certain body type or natural ability in order to enjoy it and to be competitive. This is one of the reasons many dancers who begin at a young age stay active into their late teens and twenties, and one of the reasons why adult beginners can "catch up" with their experienced peers. While attaining Championship levels may be out of reach for some dancers, Highland is enjoyed by male and female dancers with a wide variety of body types and abilities, as evidenced at many shows and competitions.