As we got older, we would choreograph dances together and put on little shows for our parents and church. Highland dance became a huge part of our lives. We did many shows with our former group, the West Virginia Highland Dancers, competed in competitions at the premiere level in several states, attended a countless number of workshops and dance camps.

Our love of dance quickly blossomed into a passion that we wanted to share with everyone. We would dream up ideas of one day creating our own dance group to not only teach highland dance, but allow others to discover what all there is to love about the sport.

As early as possible, we became certified instructors! Now, we are finally chasing our dreams and turning it into a reality! To us, Scottish dancing is so much more than just three-minute dances. It is rich in history, community, and life lessons. Our desire is for our future dancers to learn this sport and become a strong, well-rounded dancer/individual. We want to teach our students about highland dance and the theory behind the movements and dances. We also want to take it a step further and educate the importance of cross-training and developing muscles that will prevent injury and support the student’s dancing.

Meet Kaylea, the oldest sister! She currently holds her Associates in teaching. She has been instructing dancers since 2014. Kaylea offers classes in the Clarksburg and Bridgeport, West Virginia areas.

Kaylea graduated from Pierpont Community & Technical College in 2019 with her associate's degree in Radiologic Technology. She currently works full-time at United Hospital Center as a mammographer. In her free time, she loves teaching Scottish dance, hanging out with her fur-children, Emmaline and Bodhi and cross-training/trying different fitness classes. Kaylea also is a coffee enthusiast, loves getting out in nature and hanging out with close friends and family.

Meet Eliana McCutcheon, the youngest sister! Eliana took her Associate teaching test in 2016 and then in 2018 she earned her Members teaching license. She has been teaching since 2016. Eliana offers classes in the Fairmont/Mannington, West Virginia areas.

Eliana graduated from Davis & Elkins College in 2022 with her bachelor’s degree in English and this August, she plans to start her MSW program through West Virginia University. She is currently a full-time Licensing Specialist with Necco Foster Care. In her free time, Eliana enjoys teaching Scottish dance, cuddling with her two dogs, Maxon and Rocky, listening to Ed Sheeran, being outdoors, and skydiving. She also loves reading romance novels and going to festivals!

Dating back to 1285 in Scotland, Highland dance scholars provided the first recorded evidence of Highland dance. A sea of burly male warriors clothed with colored variations of royal and bright reds, deep purples, greens, white, and black along with other Scottish clan based tartan kilts, scatter along the chanting hills of the windy battlefield. The stench of manhood brings forth a brotherly rivalry between opposing clans. These bearded soldiers train for war by executing cardio infused movements which are accompanied by wailing bagpipes, Scotland’s iconic instrument. Highland dance, forbidden to women as it was too difficult and “manly” for their delicate figures, was primarily done in times of war or celebration. As years had passed, Scottish men began to perform in competitions to be judged on the skill level of their movements. It was at that time that traditional dances came to life and would later be known as some of the most popular dances in modern Highland dance culture.

During the Twentieth Century when women began to dance, the culture was in shock because the women entered the competition stage dressed in the same traditional kilt uniform style that the male dancers specifically wore for the occasion. The men believed that women should not dance both because the movements were too difficult on the body and that the sacred war dances were meant to be danced by Scottish soldiers. At that time, only men enlisted in the military. However, due to the brink of the first World War, the men were sent off, leaving the women to keep Highland dance alive. Now, the dominant culture in Highland dance consists predominantly of female dancers and also, women are great attributes to the Scottish military.

In times of celebration or times of war, Highland dance was created to show the strength of a nation as well as endurance of the hardships in which the Scottish people faced. This survival of dance continues its greatness after the formation of the sportwas marked in history. In dance, the dominant or most powerful and influential dancers embody the true spirit of the Scottish culture.

With all of this being said, we as highland dancers, are passionate about preserving and growing the values of historical culture through spreading the love of dance and teamwork!

Class Schedules

Policies

The following is a list of policies The McCScot School of Highland dance follows for the safety and benefit of all parties involved.

Mutual Respect:

There will be NO tolerance for bullying or disrespect (we are a FAMILY and family builds each other UP!). The following will take place upon an incident:

First incident: Verbal warning to student displaying such behavior. Second incident: Verbal warning with student AND parent/legal guardian.

Third incident: Write up in student file.

If a student exceeds two write ups, student will no longer be permitted to participate with the McCScot School of Highland Dance.

Attire:

It is important that our students come properly prepared to classes and events. The following must be worn

for weekly classes. Other instructions will be given to dancers/guardians if other attire is required.

• Athletic clothing* ONLY. No jeans or dresses!

*Athletic clothing includes leggings, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops.

• Come prepared with water, ghillies, and hair ties or hair pulled back and out of face.

Need ghillies? We've got you!

Payments

• Each payment is due at the first class of each month. We understand that life can get busy, so if you cannot make a timely payment, contact the instructors.

• If previous arrangements have not been made and payments are not turned in on due date, each lesson during said month will be charged as a private lesson.

• When a private lesson has been scheduled and the student is a "no show" without prior communication, the student will be charged.

PRICING:

Monthly Classes (scheduled to meet weekly): $60.00/student

Private Lessons (scheduled one-on-one upon student’s request):

$40.00/hour

IF A STUDENT CANNOT MAKE IT TO CLASS OR A PRIVATE A TWO-HOUR NOTICE IS REQUIRED.

Instructors are not required to "make up class" if the student misses or is unable to attend. A "make up class" will be arranged if the INSTRUCTOR cancels a class (excluding holidays/special circumstances that will be communicated with class).